Paul Bradford
Ceist:226 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to make provision for the granting of a medical card to all citizens over the age of 65. [18261/98]
Vol. 494 No. 3
226 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to make provision for the granting of a medical card to all citizens over the age of 65. [18261/98]
Entitlement to health services in Ireland is primarily based on means. Under the Health Act, 1970, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board.
Medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer, are unable to provide general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants without undue hardship.
Income guidelines have been drawn up by the chief executive officers to assist in the determination of a person's eligibility and these are revised annually in line with the consumer price index. However these guidelines are not statutorily binding and even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may still be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that his-her medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. It should also be noted that these guidelines are higher for persons aged 66-79 and higher again for those aged 80 and over.