The number of people with discretionary medical cards is at its highest in three years but some children with serious conditions are still being turned down for the means-tested benefit.
Angela O’Connor’s nine-year-old daughter Lucy is one of these children who has a rare case of lymphoma.
Jonathan Healy spoke to Angela today about the reasons she was refused a medical card and the bills she is expected to pay as a result of her daughter's illness.
"It's just a shock. We have three other children." She continued: "It's like a black cloud hanging over you.
"I haven't worked since September myself because your whole life then becomes revolved around the hospital."
Angela spoke about the application procedure for Lucy: "We applied for the medical card for Lucy for her ongoing treatment."
"I haven't worked since so our means are completely different than they were last September.
"I just got a letter yesterday to say that we were unsuccessful."
Speaking about her daughter's condition, Angela stated: "Her hair fell out, she had dark blonde shoulder length hair. For her, her hair falling out within two weeks of treatment was a very stressful situation.
"We got a wig for her which cost €850. That is actually covered if you have a medical card. We paid upfront the €850."
Angela went on to detail the costs of having care, including things like paying for car parking, GP visits and health insurance.
"Here I am having to go public and having to have to fight, it's hard enough. It's difficult enough to keep everything going."
The HSE responded stating:
"While not wishing on the details of an individual case the original examination of this application put the applicant over the acceptable threshold for the granting of a medical card. Should the circumstances change the HSE’s urges the applicant submit all of the new detail known in order that a full and thorough re-examination of the application can take place.
They also said that: ‘It is of absolute importance to the HSE is that this or any sick child receives all necessary care and attention that it requires.’
The Department of Health has also got back to us to say "The medical card remains means tested because it is designed for those on lower incomes. Discretionary medical cards are only offered in exceptional cases. However, the number of discretionary medical cards is now at an all time high. Furthermore, additional medical services can be offered in particular cases even if a medical card is not supplied, particularly since the change in policy last year."
