Medical Card - Retrospective use?

newbie18892

Hi, I have a question about medical cards. I went on JSA in February. I was recently an inpatient in hospital for 9 days (I actually just got discharged yesterday), and told them upon admission that I had no medical card or private health insurance. When I mentioned to my parents how worried I was about how high the hospital bill will be when I get it. My parents told me I should be on a medical card because i'm on JSA and have no other income.

I just completed an application online for a medical card and the assessment confirmed I am eligible. Now I feel a bit foolish for never looking into a medical card before. I suppose I always assumed I wouldn't qualify. Is there any chance that if I am given a medical card after my application if fully processed, that it can be used against the hospital bill in retrospect?

Thanks for your help. This is all new to me.

Cherry Blossom

My mum was able to use her new medical card to wipe out the hospital bill but she applied for the card the same day she was admitted to hospital. I’d say ring the accounts department and say your medical card has recently been approved. The worst that can happen is they will say no.

antoinolachtnai

Sorry to hear about your illness.

It should be ok when the medical card comes through.

If it is any comfort the maximum bill you should get as a public patient is 800 euros as far as I know.

https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/acute-hospitals-division/patient-care/hospital-charges/

splinter65

newbie18892 wrote: »

Hi, I have a question about medical cards. I went on JSA in February. I was recently an inpatient in hospital for 9 days (I actually just got discharged yesterday), and told them upon admission that I had no medical card or private health insurance. When I mentioned to my parents how worried I was about how high the hospital bill will be when I get it. My parents told me I should be on a medical card because i'm on JSA and have no other income.

I just completed an application online for a medical card and the assessment confirmed I am eligible. Now I feel a bit foolish for never looking into a medical card before. I suppose I always assumed I wouldn't qualify. Is there any chance that if I am given a medical card after my application if fully processed, that it can be used against the hospital bill in retrospect?

Thanks for your help. This is all new to me.

Your total bill for the stay is €720. You can arrange with the hospital to pay it in stages manageable to you. You’ll get the bill in about a week. Apply for the medical card immediately.

newbie18892

Just to update here in case anyone reading is in a similar situation. I got a medical card and the hospital were able to cancel the invoice thankfully as i got my medical card so soon after I was discharged.

dartboardio

newbie18892 wrote: »

Just to update here in case anyone reading is in a similar situation. I got a medical card and the hospital were able to cancel the invoice thankfully as i got my medical card so soon after I was discharged.

Good to hear, you were lucky! It is at the discretion of each hospital/practice