David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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384. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the medical card basic threshold by €10,000, €15,000, €20,000, €25,000 and €30,000 per annum, in tabular form; and the estimated number of newly eligible people and households. [30394/24]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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385. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing medical card thresholds on par with GP visit card thresholds. [30395/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 385 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. Current medical card income thresholds can be considered generally in terms of cohorts aged 70 or older, and under 70 years of age, with separate thresholds and assessment criteria for each.

Regarding the Deputy's proposals, the information to respond to these requests is not readily available and it is not feasible to provide an estimate within constrained timeframes available. I have therefore requested officials in my Department to undertake further analysis in this area and to respond to the Deputy directly with additional relevant information as soon as possible.