Seán Haughey
Question:611 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the income guidelines for eligibility for medical cards in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1042/03]
Written Answers. - Medical Cards.
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. Other than for persons aged 70 years and over who are automatically entitled to a medical card, 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. However, the 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 or her medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. It is open to all persons to apply to the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board for health services if they are unable to provide these services for themselves or their dependants without hardship.
The medical card income guidelines issued by the chief executive officers of the health boards/authority effective from 1 January 2003 are:
|
Single person living alone (under 66) |
€138.00 |
|
Single person living alone (66 to 69 years) |
€151.00 |
|
Single person living with family (under 66) |
€123.00 |
|
Single person living with family (66 to 69) |
€130.00 |
|
Married couple (under 66) |
€200.00 |
|
Married couple (66 to 69) |
€224.00 |
|
Married couple (70 to 79) |
€447.50 |
|
Married couple (80 and over) |
€471.00 |
|
Allowance for each child under 16 |
€25.00 |
|
Allowance for dependant over 16 with no income maintained by applicant |
€26.00 |
|
Allowance for house expenses (rent etc.): in excess of |
€25.00 |
|
Allowance for cost of travelling to work: in excess of |
€22.00 |