Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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1201. To ask the Minister for Health the way in which he arrived at the conclusion that the increase in the State pension rates in budget 2023 would not make a substantial difference to the outcome of the assessment process for the medical card; the analysis, if any, that was carried out; the way in which it demonstrated that there would not be a cohort of persons aged 70 years or older who would lose their medical card as a result of gaining €12 per week to their income in Budget 2023; the estimated cost of raising the income thresholds in line with the increase to the State pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55375/22]

Stephen 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. It should be noted that people 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.

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. In addition, Deputy may be aware that, since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit 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, such as the current medical card income thresholds under review, including in relation to Budget 2023 discussions and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant. More generally, Government considered and agreed the range of measures announced as part of Budget 2023 based on the broader general economic and overall fiscal outlook.