AQW 1007/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health (i) whether Cross-Border Elective Healthcare will be extended beyond the current 30 June 2022 deadline; and (ii) what percentage of the cost of treatment will be reimbursed to the patient.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 6 June 2022
- Answered
- Written
- Priority
- Tabled
- 6 June 2022
- Answer due by
- 9 June 2022
- Answered
- 9 June 20223 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- Yes
Answer
You will be aware that in June 2021, I announced a new Cross-Border Healthcare Scheme (ROI Reimbursement Scheme) for a 12 month period from 30th June 2021 as the Cross Border Healthcare Directive no longer applies to the UK. This initiative, part of the Elective Care Framework, is aimed at reducing Northern Ireland waiting lists.
My officials are preparing a paper for me to consider options for the end of the current 12 month scheme.
The Republic of Ireland Reimbursement Scheme allows patients to seek and pay for routinely commissioned treatment in the private sector. The reimbursement of costs is not based on a percentage of the actual payment made by the applicant to the private provider. The applicant can have the costs, up to the cost of the treatment to the HSC in Northern Ireland, reimbursed.