You're dead, now here's your bill

The Government has announced that elderly patients of long-term nursing homes will be billed both before and after they die. Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, has set a new scheme for the long term care of the elderly in motion which will commence in January 2008.

Under the scheme, all nursing home patients must contribute towards the cost of their care. According to the RTE website:

"Elderly people will contribute 80% of their disposable income and a charge of up to 15% on the value of their residence will apply, which can be paid after their death.

"Only elderly people assessed to be high dependency will be eligible for nursing home bed support from next year and there will be a cap on the scheme.

"Those who are assessed to be low or medium dependency will be eligible for community care with support through home care packages.

"Ms Harney has described the scheme as fair, accessible, and affordable."

Related links:
- RTE
- Department of Health and Children