Joan Collins
Question:410. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if the income thresholds will be raised for medical card means tests (details supplied). [12085/19]
View answerTuesday, 12 March 2019
Questions (410)
Written answers
The Health Service Executive (HSE) issues income guidelines to assist in determining entitlement to medical cards/GP visit cards. Any revision to the income thresholds must have regard for Government policy, increases in the Consumer Price Index and other issues which may be relevant.
While there are no plans at present to revise the income thresholds for medical cards, it is vitally important that the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs. In that regard my Department keeps medical card issues, including existing thresholds under constant review. It should be noted that the gross medical card limits for the over 70s are reviewed annually in line with the Consumer Price Index.
The Deputy may be aware that Budget 2019 made provision for a 10% increase across all GP visit card thresholds. This measure will be implemented on 1st April 2019.