Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2014
339. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the reason outgoings such as the property tax, bin charges and water charges are not taken into account when assessing a person’s means when applying for a medical card. [47153/14]
View answerThe HSE has produced the Medical Card / GP Visit Card National Assessment Guidelines to provide a clear framework to assist in making reasonable, consistent and equitable decisions when assessing people who are applying for a medical card. The National Assessment Guidelines are available on the HSE website and can be accessed at the following link: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/mc/about/Assessmentprocess/.
I can advise the Deputy that the means assessment of eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is based on the income of the applicant, and his or her spouse or partner (if any), after direct taxes - income tax, PRSI and USC - have been deducted. Certain additional allowances are available for necessary expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, child care costs, and travel to work costs. Where a person’s assessable income is within the relevant income guidelines, a Medical Card or a GP Visit Card will be granted. Utility charges and indirect taxation are not deductible under the assessment process.
