Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
1089. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an agreement was made last January 2013 to clamp down on medical cards; if the health service spending plan for 2013 stated that policy changes would result in a reduction of 40,000 cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46077/13]
View answerThe HSE National Service Plan 2013 provides for up to an additional 100,000 medical cards in 2013. At the same time, policy changes are expected to lead to a reduction of approximately 40,000 medical cards. These changes reflect measures agreed by Government under Budget 2013 relating to the changes to income thresholds for the over-70's medical card and changes to income calculations for the standard means assessment medical card.
