Broke and sick - need medical card

moneyblues

I'm hoping someone out there might have a few tips on getting a medical card.

My circumstances are that I'm too ill to work and thats not likely to change in the near futher. I receive some money from sickness and disability insurance and also disability benefit. My husband was made redundant a year ago and now gets work irreguraly.

We have 3 children, one of whom has asthma. My husband is also on long term medication. My illness requires constant numerous meds and regular visits to GP's (50 euro), precription renewals (25 euro) and visits to consultants (150+).

We have a high mortgage and substantial loan but on the good side we also have an ssia which will mature next May (money put aside to make monthly payments). However - these savings are earmarked for the childrens 3rd level education.

I reckon weekly income wise, we are borderline so any advice would be much appreciated.

Amz

I would suggest you talk to your GP and also have a look at www.oasis.gov.ie there should be info there regarding your entitlements with regard to medical card and other benefits i.e. child's asthma medication.

Also if you have a local citizens information centre, these guys are usually very well clued in and can give you practical advice with regard to your rights and entitlements etc.

With the link below you should be able to find the one nearest to you.
http://www.comhairle.ie/citizens/citizens_centres.html

billy the squid

Information on Medical Cards can be found here
http://www.oasis.gov.ie/health/health_services_in_ireland/medical_card

If you or any of your children have any of the following illnesses, they may be entitled services under the long term illness scheme
http://www.oasis.gov.ie/health/health_related_benefits_and_entitlements/long_term_illness_scheme.html

The conditions covered are as follows

* Mental handicap
* Mental illness (for people under 16 only)
* Diabetes insipidus
* Diabetes mellitus
* Haemophilia
* Cerebral palsy
* Phenylketonuria
* Epilepsy
* Cystic fibrosis
* Multiple sclerosis
* Spina bifida
* Muscular dystrophies
* Hydrocephalus
* Parkinsonism
* Acute leukaemia
* Conditions arising from use of Thalidomide

If you are over the income limit for the medical card you might also consider the GP only card
http://www.oasis.gov.ie/health/health_services_in_ireland/gp_visit_cards.html

Also, the Drugs payment scheme is availible to everyone regardless of income. This means that you pay €85 per month maximum for your medication.
http://www.oasis.gov.ie/health/health_services_in_ireland/gp_visit_cards.html

Also, if any of your children are under five years old they can get the Early Childcare suppliment
http://www.oasis.gov.ie/birth/benefits_and_entitlements_relating_to_birth/early_childcare_supplement.html

You may also be interested in asking your local health service officer about the Domicillary allowance for your child who has asthma
http://www.oasis.gov.ie/health/health_related_benefits_and_entitlements/domiciliary_care_allowance.html

hope this helps