John Browne T.D. welcomes new Online service with 15 day turnaround for Medical Cards/GP Visit Cards

John Browne T.D. would like to welcome the new Online service with 15 day turnaround for Medical Cards/GP Visit Cards

The HSE today launched an online Medical Card/GP Visit card application service will see a 15 day turnaround for medical card applications.

Using medicalcard.ie people can check online if they qualify for a Medical Card/GP Visit Card by following some simple steps.

Those who qualify based on their income, can prepare their application online, print the check list and submit it directly with the supporting documents.

Fully completed applications will be fast tracked and cards will be issued within 15 days.

Launching the new service Professor Drumm, CEO of the HSE said medicalcard.ie was another important building block for easier access to health services that has been in the planning for some time.

Medicalcard.ie has four key functions as follows -

1. Apply for a medical Card or GP Visit Card

The online application is a straightforward process that allows people to complete their medical card application form online and submit this to the HSE’s central office at the PCRS for processing. They will receive their new medical card in the post within 15 days.

2. Status of Application

Using the unique reference number now provided to each applicant when their application is received people will be able to track the status of their application by text message advising the application is ‘in progress’. Users can text as regularly as they wish to track their application.

3. Status of Card

Users can determine the eligibility status of any medical card. This service is typically used by primary care contractors such as Doctors, Pharmacists and HSE staff to check the current eligibility status of a medical card.

4. Contact Us

This function on the website provides a feedback facility for members of the public to provide feedback and ideas to us. It also provides follow up and enquiry service for all those whose card application is being processed centrally by PCRS. All enquiries will be responded to within 48 hours. Where an application is being processed by a Local Health Office, the user will be provided with contact details for their Local Health Office where they can get further information on their application.

Approximately 1 out of 10 applications for a medical card do not meet the criteria under the income threshold but other circumstances may mean they are eligible for a medical card. These applications are much more complex and require a more detailed assessment of the individuals circumstances before a card is issued. As such it is not possible for these applications to be completed online, but by visiting the website an applicant can determine quickly if they fall into this category. They can simply check the income threshold link and calculate if they are over the limit, or they can go through the application process, which will confirm whether or not they are under the income threshold. If they are over the income threshold but believe that there are other circumstances that should be considered they can apply to their Local Health Office in the normal way.

Many medical card applicants are regular users of the internet. We would appreciate it if friends, family members, neighbours and support groups would assist those who may have difficulty in making an online application but would benefit greatly from the convenience of the facility. For those unable to apply online medical card application forms and assistance will continue to be available in Local Health Offices.