Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
1021. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health the number of reviews that were carried out on over 70's medical card applications following the budget changes introduced in 2012; if these same applicants will have to go through a further review following the 2013 budget changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45608/13]
View answerThe Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act 2013 gave legislative effect to the Budget 2013 measure to reduce the gross income thresholds for an over-70s medical card and to provide for a scheme of assessment for an over- 70 s GP visit card. Following enactment, in the period from 5 April 2013 to 30 October 2013, 82,103 review application assessments have been conducted in respect of applicants and their dependants, if any, holding such eligibility.
Further changes were announced in the Budget 2014 on the gross income thresholds for an over-70s medical card. When the requisite legislation to bring these changes into effect is in place, all persons currently holding over -70s medical card eligibility will be subject to a review assessment. The purpose of these review assessments is to determine if persons will continue to hold eligibility under the revised income qualifying limits.
