asked the Minister for Health the new income limit for hospital service cards; the income qualification period; and when the new scheme will take effect in 1983.
Written Answers . - Hospital Service Cards .
616.
: Hospital services cards are issued by health boards to persons who have category II eligibility for health services, that is eligibility for free hospital consultant services, and who apply to the health board to have this eligibility established. The income limit which now determines eligibility in £9,500 and it relates to income earned in the tax year which ended on 5 April 1982. This limit will continue in operation until 31 May 1983. I propose to increase the limit to £11,000 with effect from 1 June 1983. This increased limit will relate to income earned in the tax year ending on 5 April 1983.