Written answers
Tuesday, 22 March 2005
Department of Health and Children
Medical Cards
8:00 pm
Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 151: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the doctor only medical cards will be authorised; the extent of the income thresholds; the number of families and persons estimated to qualify for these cards; if agreement has been reached with the IMO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9527/05]
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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It is estimated that 200,000 persons will become eligible for free general practitioner services under this initiative. The additional 200,000 "doctor visit" cards will be introduced progressively from April 2005, once the administrative arrangements are in place.
My Department has informed the Irish Medical Organisation of the legal basis for the introduction of the new "doctor visit" cards and the policy objective underlying it. The Health Service Executive is putting in place the necessary administrative arrangements to give effect to this policy decision and is available for discussions with the Irish Medical Organisation on these arrangements. Income guidelines are estimated to be as shown in the following table:
| Medical Cards | Doctor Visit Cards | |
| â'¬ | â'¬ | |
| Single person living alone (under 66) | 153.50 | 191.87 |
| Single person living alone (66-69 years) | 168.00 | 210.00 |
| Single person living with family (under 66) | 136.50 | 170.63 |
| Single person living with family (66-69 years) | 144.50 | 180.63 |
| Married couple (under 66) | 222.00 | 277.50 |
| Married couple (66-69 years) | 248.50 | 310.63 |
| Married couple (70-79 years) | 497.00 | 621.25 |
| Married couple (80 and over ) | 522.50 | 653.13 |
| Allowance for first 2 children under 16 financially dependent on applicant | 31.50 | 39.38 |
| Allowance for 3rd and subsequent children under 16 financially dependent on applicant | 34.00 | 42.50 |
| Allowance for first 2 children over 16 years financially dependent on applicant | 32.50 | 40.63 |
| Allowance for 3rd and subsequent children over 16 years financially dependent on applicant | 35.50 | 44.38 |
| Allowance for a dependent over 16 years who is in full-time third level education and not grant aided | 65.00 | 81.25 |
| Out-goings on house: rent-mortgage in excess of | 26.00 | 32.50 |
| Reasonable expenses necessarily incurred in travelling to work (in excess of) | 23.00 | 28.75 |
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