Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 70: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the eligibility guidelines for medical cards for persons over 70 years in the context of recent changes announced concerning the position in relation to the means test of people with savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2925/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the Health Act 2008, automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons aged 70 or over ceased on 31st December 2008, and with effect from 1st January 2009, the income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over is €700 (gross) per week (€36,500 per year) for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week (€73,000 per year) for a couple.

As part of the means test for persons aged 70 or over after 1st January 2009, any savings and similar investments up to €36,000 (single) / €72,000 (couple) will be disregarded and only interest from savings or similar investments above these figures will be considered as income for means testing purposes.