Shortcomings in 8% of medical card applications

An examination by the HSE identified shortcomings in the Executive’s application of controls in 8 per cent of a sample of medical card applications approved back in 2012. In 4 per cent of cases, medical cards had been approved in circumstances where the evidence on file suggested the applicant had not, in fact, satisfied the means test eligibility criteria. In the other 4 per cent of cases, no documentation or inadequate documentation, of outgoings had been provided. Additional guidance and staff training, as well as a more formal process for supervisory review of card approvals, should ensure specified controls are…