421. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health the average annual cost of providing an enhanced medical card for hepatitis C sufferers; how this compares with the annual cost of providing a standard medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40439/15]

A Health (Amendment) Act (HAA) Card is provided to men, women and children who contracted Hepatitis C from the administration within the State of contaminated blood or blood products. This card entitles the holder to a range of healthcare services including GP services; all prescribed drugs; medicines and appliances; dental and ophthalmic services; home support; home nursing; counselling services and other services without charge. The average cost of a HAA Card is €5,100 per annum. Approximately 1,400 people currently have HAA cards.

The average cost of a medical card in relation to GP services and prescribed medicines is reported in the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service Statistical Analysis of Claims and Payments 2013 as €973.26.