New medical card online service ‘to improve turnaround times’

Almost 440,000 applications were received by the National Medical Card Unit in 2017 and the HSE said this streamlined service will “bring great benefits for people in terms of turnaround times, convenience and security”.

Users can find out if they are eligible for a medical card immediately, and if they are, their application will be processed in 15 working days, according to the Executive. This online service conveniently allows applicants to scan and upload documents and other information, and no longer requires a visit to a GP to stamp paper forms.

Five-year-old Ella Treacy from Dublin was at the launch to help Minister for Health Simon Harris Assistant National Director of HSE Primary Care Reimbursement and Eligibility, Ms Anne Marie Hoey, and Director General of the HSE, Mr Tony O’Brien,  announce the new service.

Minister Harris said: “This is a very welcome new development by the HSE and is part of the ongoing streamlining and modernisation of the operation of the medical card scheme. Under the new system people will be able to make an online application for a medical card, which is faster and more convenient than the current paper based system.

“This puts the applicant at the centre of the process and I am sure will, in time, become the preferred method of application for many applicants, both first time and those seeking a renewal. I would urge anyone who needs to apply for a medical card to log on to the new system and see how easy it is.”

Ms Hoey added that this new development brings considerable benefits in terms of turnaround times, convenience and security. “Applications that are fully completed will be processed within 15 working days,” she said.