Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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64. To ask the Minister for Health his Department’s projection of the number of medical cards in 2016; the number of such cards projected to be issued on a discretionary basis this year; the number of medical cards in circulation as of 31 May 2016, or latest date available; the number issued on a discretionary basis; the number of over 70s with medical cards on that date, or latest date available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13775/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE estimate that the projected number of persons covered by Medical Card eligibility on 31 December 2016, as outlined in the HSE Service Plan will be 1,675,767.

On 1 May 2016, the number of people with Medical Card eligibility was 1,731,406, which included 104,671 persons granted eligibility on the basis of the exercise of discretion.

It is not possible to forecast the number of persons that will be issued Medical Cards by end 2016, based on the exercise of discretion, as each application assessment is based on the individual circumstances applicable to the applicant and/or the applicant’s dependants.

On 1 May 2016, the number of persons aged 70 years and older with Medical Card eligibility was 333,825.