Written answers

Tuesday, 14 February 2017

Department of Health

Medical Card Administration

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

465. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review the current medical card system with a view to returning the automatic medical card entitlement to persons over 65 years of age. [7118/17]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the provisions of the Health Acts, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the HSE, unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Where deemed appropriate in particular circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card even though an applicant's means exceed the prescribed threshold. Where a person does not qualify for a medical card, they may be provided with a GP Visit Card, appropriate therapy or other community supports or drugs.

The separate scheme of assessment for an over-70's medical card is applicable to all persons aged 70 and over. Currently, there are no proposals to introduce an age specific income threshold or to provide medical cards to those aged 65 and over without assessment.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.