Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 November 2013
189. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if he will consider making the €10 extra that pensioners automatically receive from the Department of Social Protection due to being over 80 years of age, exempt, as non-assessable for the income limits for medical cards for those over 70 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47372/13]
View answer191. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if an 82 year old pensioner who has an income of €507.50 decided to give up the €10 extra they automatically receive from the Department of Social Protection due to being over 80 years of age will they still be qualified for the medical card for over 70s; if there is any leeway in the income limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47380/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 191 together.
Medical Card and GP Visit Card eligibility for persons aged 70 or older is based on assessment on a gross income basis and takes account of all income, as set out in the Health Act 1970 (as amended). For persons person aged 70 or older who are assessed as ineligible under the gross income thresholds that apply, they may also have their eligibility assessed under the means tested medical card scheme. This assessment is based on net income and assessable outgoing expenses and the qualifying income thresholds under this scheme are lower than over 70s gross income thresholds. If a person is means assessed ineligible for a medical card under the general scheme, and that person has other social, medical or financial circumstances relevant to an assessment of their ability to provide for their medical needs or the medical needs of any dependants they may have, these factors will be considered to decide if a medical card or GP visit card should be approved on discretionary grounds under the ‘undue hardship’ or ‘undue burden’ provision of the medical card scheme.
