Hepatitis C and Health Amendment Act Cards
Information
There are special arrangements within the health services for people who have contracted Hepatitis C directly or indirectly from the use of Human Immunoglobulin-Anti-D or from the receipt within Ireland of another blood product or a blood transfusion. They are entitled to services such as GP, nursing and home help services as well as counselling services, regardless of their income.
Hepatitis C Insurance Scheme
An insurance scheme for those infected with Hepatitis C/HIV through the administration within the State of blood and blood products was established and came into effect on 12 September 2007. The initial open period for this scheme ends on 11 September 2008. After this date more restrictions apply to the scheme.
The Hepatitis C Insurance Scheme is set up under the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Act (No.22) of 2006 (pdf) and provides for three different types of insurance cover (see below) to be taken out:
Rules
If you have contracted Hepatitis C directly or indirectly from the use of Human Immunoglobulin-Anti-D or from the receipt in Ireland of any blood product or a blood transfusion, you can apply for a Health Amendment Act Card that entitles you to the following services, free of charge.
- General practitioner services
- Prescribed drugs and medicines and medical and surgical aids and appliances
- Home nursing and home help services
- Dental, ophthalmic and aural services and appliances
- Physiotherapy services
- Counselling services for both you and your family and
- Such other services as may be prescribed by the Minister for Health.
This is an individual entitlement for the person with Hepatitis C; dependants are not entitled unless they qualify for these services for other reasons. However, dependants are entitled to a free counselling in respect of Hepatitis C.
These counselling services are provided by private practitioners, by arrangement between you and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
You are entitled to these services free of charge even if you require them for non-Hepatitis C-related illnesses. All GPs are eligible to provide services, you do not have to choose a GP who is part of the Primary Care Re-imbursement Service (previously known as the GMS scheme).
The home help service provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) may include housekeeping and child minding services. If you are considered to be in need of home help services, the HSE Area may provide the service directly or you may make your own arrangements. If you make your own arrangements, you are the employer of the home help and you are responsible for your employee's PRSI, tax, etc. The HSE pays a contribution to the costs involved.
Dental, ophthalmic and aural services are provided on broadly the same basis for medical card holders.
You can get hearing aids and aural services by arrangement with the HSE.
The HSE arranges for the supply of medical and surgical appliances that are not available from a pharmacist.
How to apply
Your entitlement to these services lasts for life. You are issued with a Health Amendment Act Card. Further details on entitlements and how to access them will be provided by the Hepatitis C Liaison Officer in your Local Health Office.
Entitlements are also set out in the Information Guide to Primary Care and Hospital Services (pdf).
Further details on entitlements and how to access them can be found on the website of the Consultative Council on Hepatitis C.
You can also download a leaflet on living with Hepatitis C (pdf) from the website of the Consultative Council on Hepatitis C.
Where to apply
Further information on Hepatitis C and Health Amendment Act Cards is available from:
Irish Haemophilia Society
1st Floor
Cathedral Court
New Street
Dublin 8
Ireland
Tel:+353 (0)1 6579900
Fax:+353 (0)1 6579901
Homepage: http://www.haemophilia.ie/
Email: info@haemophilia.ie
Positive Action
56 Fitzwilliam Square
Dublin 2
Ireland
Tel:+353 (0)1 6762853
Fax:+353 (0)1 6620009
Homepage: http://positiveaction.ie/
Email: info@positiveaction.ie
Irish Kidney Association
Donor House
Block 43A
Park West
Dublin 12
Ireland
Tel:+353 1 668 9788 , 668 9789
Fax:+353 1 668 3820
Homepage: http://www.ika.ie
Email: info@ika.ie
Transfusion Positive
3 Clanwilliam Square
Dublin 2
Ireland.
Opening Hours:Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm.
Tel:(01) 639 8855
Fax:(01) 6398856
Homepage: http://www.transfusionpositive.ie/index.html
Email: transfusionpositive@eircom.net
Information in connection with the Hepatitis C Insurance Scheme is available from:
Hepatitis C Insurance Scheme
FREEPOST
Administrator, Insurance Scheme
Health Service Executive
Mill Lane
Dublin 20
Ireland
Locall:1850 211 570
Homepage: http://www.hepcinsurance.ie
Email: insuranceinfo@hse.ie
Language
Useful Resources
Related Documents
- Aural services
Aural services that are provided by your Health Service Executive (HSE) Area include hearing tests and hearing aids. Find out who qualifies for free services and how you can obtain a hearing aid at a reduced rate. - Home help service
Home Help services usually assists people to remain in their own home and to avoid going in to institutional care. Overview of this service and how to apply. - Optometric and ophthalmic services
Optometric and opthalmic health services provided through the public health service are free for certain people. Entitlements, charges and rules.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.