Written answers

Tuesday, 8 November 2022

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1129. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that medical card income eligibility limits are increased in view of anomalies that may arise (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55069/22]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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For persons aged 70 or older, the medical card assessment is based on gross income. The weekly gross income thresholds for eligibility to a medical card for those aged 70 and over were increased in November 2020 and are currently €550 per week for a single person and €1,050 for a couple.

However, It should be noted that those aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high costs, e.g., medication, nursing home fees. In addition, Deputy may be aware that, since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card.

The general means tested medical card thresholds are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. The means assessment determines an applicant’s eligibility allowing for taking account of one’s eligible expenses from their income. The over 80s allowance, where payable is not included in the assessment process. Examples of allowable expenses include rent, mortgage, insurance, nursing home costs. 

However, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services.

It is important to note that certain social welfare payments are not included in the means assessment for a medical card. Where income is from a social welfare payment such as a pension and other sources, some of the social welfare payments are assessed.

In situations where a person’s sole income is derived from a social welfare payment, even where this payment is in excess of the current income thresholds, the person will be awarded a medical card.

I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues, including the current medical card income thresholds under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant.

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