Medical Card Drugs

Thursday, 13 December 2012

Questions (184)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

184. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health in view of the announcement in Budget 2013 the number of medical card recipients aged over 70 years who will have their full cards replaced with general practitioner only cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56174/12]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

It is estimated that the changes referred to by the Deputy will affect about 20,000 persons out of 360,000 over-70s medical card holders. This is about 5% of the entire over 70s population. Under the new arrangements, it is envisaged that 92% of the over 70's will retain their medical cards.