Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 March 2014
185. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding applications for the medical-GP visit card scheme; if there has been a change in policy since April 2013 in relation to the means test assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12236/14]
View answerFollowing Budget 2013 decisions, changes to the gross income thresholds for over 70s medical cards were effective from April 2013. The changes also provided for those over 70s medical card holders, whose income fell between the revised income limits and the preceding income limits, to receive a GP visit card instead of a medical card. The income limits were set at €600 per week for a single person and €1,200 per week for a couple for an over 70s medical card and €700 per week and €1,400 per week, respectively, for an over 70s GP visit card. In addition, payments on a home improvement loan and a €50 per week allowance for a car were excluded from the standard means test assessment, effective April 2013. Changes announced under Budget 2014, reducing the gross income limit for an over-70s medical card to €500 per week for a single person and €900 per for a couple, came into effect on 1 January 2014. The income limits for the over 70s GP visit card were not adjusted.
