Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health when the new income thresholds will apply to persons 70 years of age or over applying for a medical card; if the thresholds will apply to all gross income; and if any exceptions will be made for persons marginally in excess of the income limits when exceptional circumstances apply. [4297/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The new eligibility rules for medical cards for persons aged over 70 years, which were announced in the Budget 2013, 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. As is the current situation, the revised thresholds will apply to gross income. There is provision for discretion by the HSE to grant a medical card in cases of "undue hardship" where income guidelines are exceeded and this provision will not be effected.