Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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656. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to increasing the income threshold for the medical card for those aged under 70 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11055/22]

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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657. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to increasing the income threshold for the medical card for those persons aged over 70 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11056/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 656 and 657 together.

Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.

Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under the over 70s medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. It should be noted that in November 2020, the weekly gross medical card income thresholds for those aged 70 and over were increased to €550 per week for a single person and €1050 for a couple. This increase ensures that a greater proportion of those aged 70 and over now qualify for a medical card.

In addition, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, it should be noted that this Department keeps medical card issues such as existing income thresholds under regular review, having regard for Government policy, increases in the Consumer Price Index and other issues which may be relevant.

Separately, since 2015 every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card.