James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 351: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the amount that is used in the calculation of income regarding the assessment of income for an over 70 years medical card and in particular the calculation of interest on savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15896/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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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 or 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.

Any savings and similar investments up to €36,000 (single)/€72,000 (couple) will be disregarded when assessing means and only interest from savings or similar investments above these figures will be considered as income. The relevant portion of savings and similar investments will be assessed on the income calculated at a notional interest rate (currently 5%), based on the prevailing interest rates at the time of application. The Health Service Executive's (HSE) Central Application Unit will review the notional rate on a quarterly basis.

Alternatively, where an applicant wishes to have the actual interest from savings/investments considered, then the HSE will apply this approach and use the most beneficial option in favour of the applicant, subject to submission of the appropriate certificates from the relevant institutions. In the case of "longer term" investment accounts, where the interest is only applied at the end of a fixed period, if the applicant so wishes, the HSE will only take account of the interest earned on the date the investment matures. Any calculation of interest is inclusive of Deposit Interest Retention Tax.

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim is requested to refurnish all financial documents and so on to the Health Service Executive in order to obtain an over 70 years GMS card when these documents were sent to the local office in January 2009 and an acknowledgement of receipt received; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that original documents were sent and no copies were kept; and when a GMS card will issue to this person. [15918/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.