Finian McGrath
Question:998. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding medical claims in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33853/14]
View answerWednesday, 17 September 2014
Questions (998)
Written answers
Under the arrangements effected by the Health Act 2008, a much simplified system of assessment for eligibility was introduced in respect of persons aged 70 or over, based on the significantly higher gross income limits rather than the standard net income thresholds. Gross income, in respect of the over 70's medical card scheme refers to total basic income prior to any or all deductions being made. The system of assessment for those 70 years of age and over is based on significantly higher gross income limits of €500 per week for a single person and €900 per week for a couple from 1 January 2014, as set out in legislation, compared to the standard net income thresholds of €184 for a single person or €266.50 for a couple. This advantageous arrangement for persons aged over 70 years has facilitated a much greater share of this cohort qualifying for a medical card compared to the general population as a whole.
If a person aged 70 or over does not qualify for a medical card under the over 70's assessment, by virtue of their gross income being over the income limits, the person may apply for a medical card under the standard means test, where they face particularly high expenses and which allows for medical, nursing and other relevant expenses to be taken into account. This assessment is based on net income and assessable outgoing expenses and the qualifying income thresholds under this scheme are lower than over 70's gross income limits.
Under the standard means tested medical card scheme, allowance may be made for rent/mortgage, travel to work and child care costs while in the main, persons in the over 70's age cohort do not have the same outlays and expenses as those under 70 years of age who are assessed on a means basis.
Furthermore, persons aged over 70 years may still be eligible for a medical card on a discretionary basis where they face undue hardship in arranging medical services as a result of medical or social circumstances.
Persons aged 70 or over, who have lost eligibility for a medical card due to the 2014 budgetary change will continue to have access to free GP services. In addition, as you will be aware, the Government committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service for the entire population and the aim is to have the over 70's phase implemented this year or early next year. Furthermore, any person over 70 that does not qualify for a medical card is able to use the DPS (Drugs Payment Scheme) which caps spending on prescription drugs.
The HSE local health offices can offer assistance to those completing their Medical Card/GP Visit Card application form or seek clarification on any aspect regarding the process of assessing eligibility for a Medical Card/GP Visit Card. In addition, in this regard, a help and information Callsave phone line 1890 252 919 is available to the public. The HSE will give every assistance to persons that contact their offices, in advising and facilitating them in meeting the requirements to have their eligibility for a Medical Card/GP Visit Card fully assessed.