A&E Charges

[blucey]

Recently I had cause , for the first time in my life, to have to go to A&E. Full ambulance job, from home, no messing. I could not praise highly enough the paramedics, the nurses, doctors and all staff related. After two days (albeit on a trolly...) back home, pretty well sorted.
I have to say I was shocked when I got a bill for €66 a few weeks later, and this was followed up eventually by threaths of all sorts to pay up or else.
My point ; whats the point of the charge? As a percentage of the cost of my treatment its close to zero. As someone who has paid PAYE taxes at the top rate since 1984 , plus CGT and other relevant revednue levies, plus PRSI, I kina thought that emergency care would be free. If the point is to deter abuse then the charge needs to be a serious amount - as it is its a nuiscance tax, levied on the non-medical card holder, safe in the knowledge that its going to be paid as by and large the reciepients wont want to have an unpaid bill on their credit record, or a judgement for payment yet.
So, whats the point of this charge?

[Simon.D]

I think A&E are trying to be slightly more expensive than the GP rate, so people make that their first port of call, if they're not in a bad way..

[sparkey321]

There has been an A&E charge in Ireland for years.

Its to stop people using A&E as a drop in center instead of going to their GP. If you have a medial card, referral from a GP or are admitted then this charge does not apply.

As you were in hospital over 2 days I assume you were admitted and if so then you should not be liable for this charge.

[Aindriu]

It is yet another example of how our health system is going down the US route. Look on the bright side though, if you had been in the states you wouldn't even have been treated until you had produced an helath insurance card or proof of your ability to pay. At least you were billed after the event.

[loner]

Yes but if you were in Berlin you would not have to pay anything

[Aindriu]

Yes but if you were in Berlin you would not have to pay anything

Or the UK.

[sparkey321]

In fairness the problem with the A&E system is that people were using it as a free GP service.

By making the charge slightly more than a GP visit they removed allot of that. Unless there is universal free GP service the charge will not (and should not) be removed. If you have a medical card or a GP referral the charge does not apply.

And don't blame the PD's for the charge its been there for over 10 years.

[Aindriu]

In fairness the problem with the A&E system is that people were using it as a free GP service.

By making the charge slightly more than a GP visit they removed allot of that. Unless there is universal free GP service the charge will not (and should not) be removed. If you have a medical card or a GP referral the charge does not apply.

And don't blame the PD's for the charge its been there for over 10 years.

That is a very good indicator of why the GP service should be free! €50 for what could amount to a ten minute consultation equates to €300 per hour! I wish myy hourly rate was that high. Health treatments etc should be a right not a paid service.

[coc]

Yes but if you were in Berlin you would not have to pay anything

Or the UK.

Just ignore the bills and threats.

[digoutday]

Its a stealth tax, just give a false name and address if ever there again, or better still, the name and address of your local FF/PD TD.