James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Senator Cummins for raising this important issue. He is correct in saying that the actual cost was not provided by the HSE. As I have said, eligibility for the medical card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970, as amended. In this regard, the HSE is required to ensure applications for a new medical cards and renewals of existing medical cards are issued in accordance with the Act. However, insofar as it can, the HSE seeks to limit the number of clients over 70 who are asked to engage with the application process.

Any medical card approved for an individual over 70 is usually provided for four years. According to the HSE, based on the 2023 figures, 89% were extended for people based on information available to the HSE without contacting the client. Of the remaining 11%, the 19,347 with full applications assessed, fewer than 1,000 did not retain the medical card. To ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, the Department of Health keeps medical card issues, including the current medical card income thresholds, under review. I will certainly bring to the Minister's attention that in the response, the HSE has not provided the specific answer to the question the Senator raised.