Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:297. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if he intends to scrap the medical card review for the over-70s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20068/24]
View answerThursday, 2 May 2024
Questions (297)
Written answers
Medical Card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold.
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 €1,050 for a couple.
The HSE is also required to undertake periodic reviews of eligibility in order to ensure that a person continues to meet the qualifying criteria required to continue holding eligibility. Where any medical or GP visit card holder has a review process initiated, it should be noted that he/she will continue to retain their eligibility for the duration of the review process.
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.
I can assure the Deputy that, in order to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review, and has commenced a comprehensive review and appraisal of the arrangements that underpin the existing eligibility framework. This is a significant programme of work, intended to ensure that the eligibility criteria for health services continue to be appropriate and can ensure fair and equitable access to health services for people who need them. The work to be undertaken will include an examination of the current administration and provision of medical cards by the HSE. The Department of Health will work with the HSE in the coming months to progress this review of eligibility and related matters.