How to give back a medical card?

tradhead

I got a medical card a good while ago as I wasn't working, and have been in and out of employment since then so I never bothered to let them know (as I wasn't using it anyway).

I've just got a letter asking me to confirm my address in relation to it, which has reminded me that as I'm in full-time employment now I should dig it out of the drawer and give it back. How does one go about this? I've seen that they have a phone number and a postal address- do I just post it back and say thanks very much, I'm alright now?

I'm also curious as to how this is monitored: I got a short-term job pretty much straight after I received the card, and would never have dreamed of using it while I was working, although I was quite unfortunate health-wise which cost me a fair bit. But I'm wondering now could I have been using it all along? Do they get some kind of notification every time it's used? Would they for example have a list of all the times I used it if I were to hand it in now, having used it dishonestly?

As I said, I'm sending it back anyway so it doesn't really matter- I'm just curious as it seems to me to be a really bonkers system, considering the amount of people that are in dire need that have had their cards taken off them.

January

As far as I'm aware you wouldn't have been using it fraudulently at all. Once you have the medical card, if your circumstances change you are allowed to hold onto it until it's expiry.

You may even still be eligible for it now because they take expenses such as mortgage/rent, travel expenses and child care (if you have any children) into account for the calculations.

DubArk

This is true it's your till it expires.

haveringchick

You just keep using it until they take it away
There's no fraud involved
If it has expired neither your GP or chemist would accept it from you so no chance of you owing them any money
Your very fair really

tradhead

Seriously?! I was eligible because I was out of work for a few months and still paying rent and whatnot- I just held onto it because the job I got was short-term so I knew I'd be in the same situation a few months later and it would save applying again.

I'm an idiot so, paying doctor's fees and €100 in A&E like a chump! Should I just send back the form confirming my address so? I'm emigrating after Christmas anyway so probably won't even use it before I leave. This is gas if what you're all saying is true, typical me getting it all wrong.

Balagan

How long does the Medical Card last?

The card is usually issued for three years after which your eligibility is reviewed. Depending on your circumstances, it may be issued for a shorter period. If your circumstances change, you must inform the HSE, as you may no longer be eligible. If your income or family circumstances change you must inform Client Registration Unit, P.O. Box 11745, Dublin 11, or alternatively contact us at LoCall 1890 252 919.

As a quality control measure we also carry out random reviews of continued eligibility. This is to make sure that people who hold cards are still eligible, based on national guidelines. Should you be selected at random for a review, you will receive a personalised letter and review form for completion. You will be notified of the specific date by which the review form must be returned the Client Registration Unit, P.O. Box 11745, Dublin 11. If you do not return your review form your application cannot be re-assessed and your card may not be re-issued.

http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/mc/about/questionsandanswers/

stimpson

If you were unemployed for over a year and return to work you get keep your medical card for 3 years:

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/entitlement_to_health_services/medical_card.html

And don't forget you qualify for a lower rate of USC if you have a card and earn less than 60K.