Medical Card Query

KerryS

Not sure if this is in the right section and apologies if not but here goes.

I am a working person with a medical card. I have unfortunately found myself in ill health over the last couple of years and have been diagnosed with a progressive life long condition.

Due to my condition I find myself in a position where I need to have an eye test fairly quick however my optician (actually his secretary) has told me the wait to be approved on the medical card is two to three months and because I have a medical card I am not able to use my prsi contributions for the test even though I would have approval for that more or less immediately. I was advised if I want anything quicker then it will cost me €100!!!!! If I could afford €100 for an eye test then I would not need a medical card!!

If this is in fact the case then why on earth are medical card holders liable to pay prsi contributions? I know back before "the crash" medical card holders were exempt from the health levy portion of prsi which was abolished back when usc was introduced. Yes there is a reduced USC rate for medical card holders but I don't see any reference to medical anything for this - I pay a full prsi contribution and have done for 20 years plus - does this not count for anything?

Can anyone confirm that my optician's stance on this is correct and advise if the waiting time for approval on the medical card can be reduced in specific medical circumstances?

Thanks in advance.

haveringchick

Here are the conditions for using your PRSI. As you can see entitlement depends on your age and the amount of PRSI you have built up

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/disability_and_illness/treatment_benefit_scheme.html

Here are the conditions for treatment under your medical card. As you can see examinations have to be pre approved by the local health clinic first.
I'd imagine 2 to 3 months is about right.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/dental_aural_and_optical_services/optometric_and_ophthalmic_services.html