KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

MEDICAL CARD/DOMICILIARY

Question: I’m getting Domiciliary Care Allowance for my daughter so I was happy to hear that medical card cover was being extended to children who qualify for the payment. The medical card application form seems to require a lot of information that doesn’t appear relevant in this situation. Is there another way to apply?

Answer: You don’t need to complete the medical card application form to get the medical card for your daughter. The medical card for children who qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) isn’t subject to a means test so information about your income is not required.

Instead, you can register your child online by going to the website medicalcard.ie and clicking on =91Medical Cards (DCA)’. The site also has a form you can download if you prefer to apply by post.

You will need to provide the following information:

Your Personal Public Service (PPS) Number and contact details Your child’s PPS Number and date of birth The name and address of your child’s GP The website includes a list of GPs who are participating in the scheme. If your GP of choice is accepting applications electronically, your child’s details will be sent to them. If not, you will be emailed a copy of the relevant details, which you can print out and bring to the GP. Once the GP accepts your child to their GMS patient list, the registration will be finalised by the National Medical Card Unit and a medical card in your child’s name will be sent to you. If you have questions about the medical card, you can call the information line on Lo-call 1890 252 919.

Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below. Killarney - 0761 07 7820 Email: killarney@citinfo.ie Tralee - 0761 07 7860 Email: tralee@citinfo.ie e Caherciveen - 0761 07 7780 Email: caherciveen@citinfo.ie Kenmare - 0761 07 7810 Email: kenmare@citinfo.ie Killorglin - 0761 07 7830 Email: killorglin@citinfo.ie Listowel - 0761 07 7840 Email: .listowel@ citinfo.ie Phone Centre No: 0761 07 4000