asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that medical cards are being withdrawn from old age pensioners with no other incomes due to the fact that the income limit of £77 has not so far been increased in line with old age pension payments and that this is causing grave hardship; when the income limit for all medical card applicants will be increased; and when health boards will be notified.
Written Answers. - Withdrawal of Medical Cards.
374.
Medical cards are not being withdrawn from old age pensioners who have no income other than their old age pension.
Since these pensions were increased at the end of June last a number of pensioners have income marginally outside the medical card guidelines. Health boards have not withdrawn medical cards from these people because of these marginal excesses.
The guidelines will be reviewed before the end of the year and I expect that new guidelines will become effective from January 1984. Health boards will be notified in advance of that date.