Waterford patients ‘waiting months’ for reimbursements from HSE after treatment abroad
Cllr Kate O’Mahoney has raised concerns over the delays being experienced by Waterford patients
Some Waterford patients are “waiting months” for reimbursements from the HSE after seeking treatment abroad, a local councillor has said.
Sinn Féin councillor Kate O’Mahoney has raised concerns over the delays being experienced by local people seeking reimbursement under the Cross Border Directive.
The directive allows Irish patients to seek treatment in other EU countries before being reimbursed by the HSE.
However, some local patients have reportedly been waiting more than six months to be reimbursed, despite the HSE having a target processing time of 30 working days.
Cllr. O’Mahoney said the delays are placing considerable financial and emotional pressure on patients and families who have sought treatment abroad.
She stated: “I am deeply concerned about the reports I am receiving from local people who are waiting months for reimbursement under the Cross Border Directive.
“The HSE’s target processing time is 30 working days, yet some patients are waiting in excess of six months to receive money they are entitled to claim back.
“These are people who are often already dealing with pain, illness and the stress of trying to access treatment.
“Many have had to look abroad because they simply cannot afford to wait any longer on lengthy and unacceptable waiting lists in Ireland for procedures such as endometriosis treatment, hip replacements, knee replacements, and more.”
Cllr O’Mahoney highlighted that some patients are left with no option but to seek treatment abroad.
“Patients are frequently left with no realistic option but to seek treatment elsewhere, and the financial burden of paying for that treatment upfront can be enormous.
“When people make significant financial sacrifices to access necessary healthcare, they should not then be left waiting for months for their reimbursement to be processed.
“Six months is an unacceptable length of time for people to be left in financial uncertainty, particularly when they are recovering from surgery or managing an ongoing health condition.
“Patients deserve clarity, timely communication and a reimbursement process that operates within the stated timeframe.
She went on to say that she has written to the Minister for Health to highlight the concerns being raised by local patients and to seek action to address the delays.
“I have written to the Minister for Health to bring these cases to her attention and to ask what steps are being taken to address the backlog and ensure that patients receive their reimbursements without unnecessary delay.
“The HSE must meet its 30-working-day target and provide clear information to patients whose claims have been outstanding for months.
“People should not have to spend their time chasing payments while also dealing with the physical, emotional and financial consequences of ill health.”
Cllr O’Mahoney concluded by saying that accessing timely healthcare should not become an additional financial crisis for patients and their families.
“We need a fairer, more efficient process for everyone relying on the Cross Border Directive,” she added.