Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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349. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 608 of 29 November 2016, the position regarding his Department's considerations with regard to the issue raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22012/17]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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482. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 608 of 29 November 2016, if he will raise the income thresholds for medical cards to ensure that persons are not unfairly disadvantaged as a result of pension increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22013/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 482 together.

Under the Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) (No. 2) Act 2013, when a person attains the age of 70, the medical card income limits are €500 gross income per week for a single person and €900 gross income per week for a couple. Any revision of these medical card income thresholds requires primary legislation.

Persons aged 70 or older, who are assessed as ineligible under the gross income thresholds, may also have their eligibility assessed under the means-tested medical card scheme if they so wish, for example in the event that they face particularly high expenses, e.g. nursing home or medication costs. This scheme is open to all persons, irrespective of their age and assessment is based on net income and assessable outgoing expenses. The qualifying income thresholds under this scheme are lower than over-70s gross income thresholds. In setting the assessment guidelines, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has regard to Government policy as outlined by the Minister for Health, changes in the consumer price index and other issues which may be relevant.

Furthermore, persons, including those aged over 70 years, may be deemed eligible for a medical card on a discretionary basis, if they are judged to face undue hardship in arranging GP services as a result of medical or social circumstances. In addition, from August 2015, all persons aged 70 or older qualify for a GP Visit Card, regardless of income.

The Deputy will be aware that the increase in the State pension came into effect in March 2017. It would be the Government's intention that people would not be adversely affected by this increase. I have asked the HSE to monitor the situation and to advise me if it considers that changes in the rates of Department of Social Protection benefit may affect people's ability to qualify for a medical card.