Paul McGrath
Question:691 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the new income guidelines which apply to medical card applications; and when these new guidelines will come into force. [2026/01]
Vol. 529 No. 1
691 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the new income guidelines which apply to medical card applications; and when these new guidelines will come into force. [2026/01]
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 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. The revised guidelines requested by the Deputy came into effect on 1 January and are as follows:
Single person living alone (under 66) |
£100.00 |
Single person living alone (66-69) |
£109.00 |
Single person living alone (70-79) |
£180.00 |
Single person living alone (80 or over) |
£190.00 |
Single person living with family (under 66) |
£89.00 |
Single person living with family (66-69) |
£94.00 |
Single person living with family (70-79) |
£156.00 |
Single person living with family (80 or over) |
£163.00 |
Married couple (under 66) |
£144.50 |
Married couple (66-69) |
£162.00 |
Married couple (70-79) |
£270.00 |
Married couple (80 or over) |
£284.00 |
Allowance for each child under 16 |
£18.00 |
Allowance for other dependants |
£19.00 |
Allowance for house expenses: (e.g. rent, mortgage) – in excess of |
£18.00 |
Allowance for cost of travelling to work:Cost allowed per week over |
£16.00 |