Under the terms of the Health Act 1970 applications for medical cards for persons, other than for persons aged 70 years of age or over, are a matter to be assessed and decided upon by the Health Service Executive (HSE) based on a range of measures including the household income guidelines, particular circumstances and medical needs of individual cases.
The HSE has indicated that applications from persons with a serious illness have and will continue to be dealt with in as sensitive and compassionate a manner as possible, with the exercise of discretion towards the needs of the applicant during what is a very difficult and stressful time for them and for their loved ones.