Written answers

Thursday, 5 March 2015

Department of Health

Medical Card Administration

Photo of Sandra McLellanSandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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178. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the national assessment guidelines for medical cards to make provisions for the local property tax as an allowable expense; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9605/15]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The HSE awards medical cards in accordance with the Health Act and gives effect to this legislation through its Medical Card National Assessment Guidelines. The Guidelines provide a clear framework to assist in making reasonable, consistent and equitable decisions when assessing people who are applying for a medical card and are available on the HSE website.

I can advise the Deputy that the means assessment of eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is based on the income of the applicant, and his or her spouse or partner (if any), after direct taxes - income tax, PRSI and USC - have been deducted. Certain additional allowances are available for necessary expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, childcare costs and travel to work costs. Where a person’s assessable income is within the relevant income guidelines, a medical card or a GP visit card will be granted. Utility charges and indirect taxation are not deductible under the assessment process.

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