Secret checks on finances of 60,000 medical cards

An internal HSE memo shows that this year it obtained information from the Revenue Commissioners about the financial affairs of 58,383 people aged over 70 who had a medical card.

The Big Brother-style checks were made before the HSE sent out review letters to these card holders on foot of changes in Budget 2014, which changed eligibility criteria.

It meant many of this age group would lose the card because they were above the new income threshold.

When the letters were sent to the medical card holders seeking an updated means test, they were unaware that officials had access to their tax records.

"Only those people risk-assessed on the basis of data shared with other government departments and with records of income above the guideline are requested to complete full reviews," the memo obtained by the Irish Independent under Freedom of Information laws reveals.

The memo also admitted: "There is no way to avoid... letters being issued to people who have serious illnesses including issues such as dementia and those who have suffered from stroke, etc."

A separate letter from the HSE to the Department of Social Protection in January this year said it wanted an electronic link-up to allow it to inspect the social welfare records of medical card holders.

Progress

The HSE said that it was "disappointing that progress was not made" with this.

"A similar interface operates between the HSE and the Revenue Commissioners and mutual data exchange is an integral aspect of the operation of both the medical card scheme and the Universal Social Charge."

It said the Department of Social Protection should provide details of any welfare payments to 376,000 over-70s with a medical card "as a matter of urgency".

"It would be very helpful to have your views regarding any other opportunities for data sharing," it said.

It also revealed the Department of Health wanted information on the records of medical card holders who returned to work from the live register. "Returning to work represents a significant change in circumstance for people and as a result they may no longer be eligible for a medical card."

A spokeswoman for the Department of Social Protection told the Irish Independent that it shared data with the HSE following queries about a client's record across most of its transaction systems.

"Access is granted strictly on the basis of a business need and is restricted to named individuals. The protocol involved in granting such access includes ensuring each agency is aware of its responsibilities under both social welfare and data protection legislation," she said.

A joint committee has now been set up to oversee the HSE's requirements and to help in the administration of the medical card scheme.