Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health the proposed changes to eligibility for the medical card that he plans to make in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57003/12]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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New eligibility rules for medical cards for persons aged over 70 years were announced in the Budget 2013. The income thresholds would be reduced and the higher income over-70s will receive a GP visit card instead of a medical card. The new rules will not take effect until later in 2013, after primary legislation has been enacted. The implementation date will be announced and publicised in advance by the Department and HSE.

When the changes come into effect, the following rules for medical cards for persons aged over 70 will apply:

-a single person over 70 with a gross income of up to €600 per week will qualify for a medical card and a single person over 70 with a gross income of between €600 and €700 per week will qualify for a GP visit card;

-a couple over 70 with a gross income of up to €1,200 per week will qualify for a medical card and a couple with a gross income of between €1,200 and €1,400 per week will qualify for a GP visit card.

In relation to eligibility for the standard medical card, the rules relating to a person’s spending and earnings that are taken into account when carrying out the means test will be tightened. My Department will first examine this proposal in more detail in consultation with the HSE. Again, the new rules and the implementation date will be announced and publicised in advance by the Department and HSE.