Robert Troy
Question:465. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will review the current medical card system with a view to returning the automatic medical card entitlement to persons over 65 years of age. [7118/17]
View answerTuesday, 14 February 2017
Questions (465)
Written answers
Under the provisions of the Health Acts, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the HSE, unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Where deemed appropriate in particular circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card even though an applicant's means exceed the prescribed threshold. Where a person does not qualify for a medical card, they may be provided with a GP Visit Card, appropriate therapy or other community supports or drugs.
The separate scheme of assessment for an over-70's medical card is applicable to all persons aged 70 and over. Currently, there are no proposals to introduce an age specific income threshold or to provide medical cards to those aged 65 and over without assessment.