Jim O'Keeffe
Question:161 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to extend the availability of medical cards to workers in low and moderately paid employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Vol. 441 No. 3
161 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to extend the availability of medical cards to workers in low and moderately paid employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Under the Health Act, 1970, medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board are unable, without undue hardship, to provide general practitioner services for themselves and their dependants.
Income guidelines are 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. Assessment is based on gross income less PRSI deductions. However, these guidelines are not statutorily binding and even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines, that person may still be awarded a medical card if the chief executive officer considers that the person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this.