The determination of eligibility of applications for medical card is a matter by legislation for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. Assessment of eligibility is based upon the applicants' incomes and their medical needs. Applicants have the right of appeal in cases of refusal and are normally advised of this by their local health board.
Generally, the reduction in recent years in the number of medical cards may be attributed to the increase in the number of people in employment and also the improved economic situation nationally. Another factor which affects this area is the review by health boards of medical card databases. Since 2003 this has led to the removal of more than 100,000 inappropriate entries from these databases. Reasons for deletions included duplicate entries, change of address, cases where the medical card holder is deceased, ineligibility due to changed circumstances and normal reviews.
The Government is fully committed to the extension of medical card coverage, as set out in the programme for Government. This will focus on people on low incomes. The timing of the introduction of the extension will be decided having regard to the prevailing budgetary position.