Medical Cards

Thursday, 21 September 2023

Questions (277)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

277. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when medical card eligibility income thresholds might be upgraded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40915/23]

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Written answers

Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.

Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account. Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under the over 70s medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. It should be noted that in November 2020, the weekly gross medical card income thresholds for those aged 70 and over were increased to €550 per week for a single person and €1,050 for a couple. This increase ensures that a greater proportion of those aged 70 and over now qualify for a medical card. Furthermore, the Deputy may be aware that, since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card.

As provided for in Budget 2023, eligibility for GP visit cards will be extended to people who earn up to the median household income and to all children aged 6 & 7. Approximately 500,000 additional persons, who otherwise would have attended their GP on a private basis, are expected to become eligible for free GP care under this expansion. The extension of GP visit cards to children aged 6 & 7 commenced on 11 August. The extension of cards to those who earn the median household income or less commenced on 11 September and will be completed in two phases with the second phase commencing on 13 November.

Question No. 278 taken with No. 44.