Expert rejects claims reforms are not enough

The chair of the expert panel behind the medical card reforms has rejected claims the changes do not go far enough and mean patients still have complicated "hoops to jump through".

Prof Frank Keane, who was in charge of the 23-strong group tasked with examining the system, made the comments as patient groups raised concerns over how the new system will work.

Under plans announced by Health Minister Leo Varadkar, local areas will have a greater input in centralised medical card decisions.