Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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544. To ask the Minister for Health if legislation will be brought forward to ensure that the new income eligibility guidelines to qualify for the medical card as announced in budget 2020 are given legal effect; if the funding is in place to finance this measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2713/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As announced in Budget 2020, medical card gross income limits for those over 70 will be increased to €550 per week for a single person aged over 70 (currently €500 per week) and to €1050 for a couple aged over 70 (currently €900 per week).

It is my intention that this measure will be introduced from July 2020 and primary legislation is being drafted by my Department to provide the necessary legislative basis to give effect to the increased thresholds. Funding in respect of the measure has been provided for within the Budget 2020 package of family friendly measures, which amounts to €45m in total.