Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

272. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons covered under the GMS for a medical card and general practitioner card, respectively, including dependents between those under 70 years of age and those over 70 years of age; the estimated annual cost of the provision of these services by those under 70 and over 70 years of age, respectively and by general practitioner cards and medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4827/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

It should also be noted that the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service regularly publishes statistical reports on Medical Cards and GP Visit Cards on the Reporting and Open Data Area of the HSE's website.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

273. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of doubling the income limit for eligibility for both the full medical card and the general practitioner card for those under 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4828/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE issues income guidelines to assist in determining entitlement to medical cards/GP visit cards. Any revision to the income thresholds has regard for Government policy, increases in the Consumer Price Index and other issues which may be relevant.

With regard to the estimated cost of increasing income thresholds in the manner sought, this information is not readily available at this time. However to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, it should be noted that my Department keeps medical card issues such as existing income thresholds under regular review.