Irish Cancer Society meets Minister for Health on discretionary medical cards
The Irish Cancer Society will meet the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, and officials from the Department of Health, on the issue of discretionary medical cards today (Friday 6th June).
The Society is seeking the inclusion of cancer as a medical condition which entitles the applicant to a discretionary medical card.
“The HSE yesterday published the names of the Expert Group who will examine how medical need should be taken into account when considering applications for discretionary medical cards,” says Kathleen O’Meara, Head of Advocacy & Communications. “The Irish Cancer Society has received an invitation to discuss this issue with the Minister for Health, and we very much welcome this opportunity.
“We will tell the Minister that cancer patients undergoing treatment should be entitled to a medical card under these new rules. This will ensure that cancer patients no longer suffer the financial and emotional distress that many are currently experiencing.”
Ms O’Meara continued: “Many cancer patients have contacted the National Cancer Helpline and the Society’s Daffodil Centres, and shared stories of discretionary cards being taken away or applications being turned down. A diagnosis of cancer is very stressful. Patients undergoing treatment often need to have frequent GP visits and have costs such as drug and prescription charges, hospital charges, prosthetics, and wigs and these additional costs can often add to stress. In some cases patients simply cannot afford them. If they had a medical card these charges would be covered. We believe this is necessary and justified.”
The financial burden facing cancer patients is reflected in the increased demand on the Financial Aid fund operated by the Irish Cancer Society which last year supported patients and their families to the tune of over €1m. Demand increased by 12 % in the first quarter of 2014.
People who have any concerns about medical cards or financial assistance can call the Irish Cancer Society’s National Cancer Helpline on Freefone 1800 200 700.
