Sir, - Richard Hannaford (Opinion, October 25th) misunderstands the situation regarding medical cards for the new, wealthier over-70s.
A practice, not a doctor, receives approximately £100 for the 365-day and night care of the poorer over-70s who do not have private health insurance. Practices receive approximately £400 for the 365-day and night care of the better off, insured new over-70s only.
The poorer patients, such as mine, in Finglas remain at £100. My practice consists of a junior partner, a nurse, a secretary, and myself. After expenses we are all paid out of what remains of the £100.
Better off people tend to vote, the poor are less likely to. So much for Prosperity and Fairness.- Yours, etc.,
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Dr Bill Fegan, Finglas, Dublin 11.