No ‘ethical’ alternative to current means test system for medical cards

The medical card system’s controversial focus on patient finances will stay — but only because the dwindling health budget prevents an "ethical" alternative, and there is no clear way to favour one condition over another.

The Government’s long-awaited expert panel report on how to reform the service is set to draw the conclusion when it is published later this month.

A leaked version of the report — which was signed off by HSE director general Tony O’Brien and given to the Department of Health on Tuesday — has made a series of recommendations after four months examining the scandal-hit service.