Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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361. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to increase the income levels for eligibility for medical cards in line with tax band and tax credit increases announced in budget 2019; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the increases in tax bands and credits now put many people outside the bracket of eligibility for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50378/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Budget 2019 provided for increases in the income tax standard rate band and tax credits. It would be the Government's intention that people's ability to qualify for a medical card would not be adversely affected by these increases and this will be monitored.

Although increases in income may have an impact on a person's eligibility for a medical card it should be noted that the medical card assessment process does take into account certain allowable expenses such as mortgage costs, travel-to-work costs and childcare costs, which may also vary over time.

If you are not entitled to a Medical Card you will automatically be assessed for a GP Visit Card. Budget 2019 provided for an increase in the GP Visit Card threshold by 10% across all cohorts which will significantly increase the number of persons eligible for free GP care.

It should be noted that the gross medical card income limits for persons aged 70 and over are reviewed annually.