Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2019
189. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 319 of 22 January 2019, the conclusions by the HSE into the effect on whether the yearly increase of social welfare payments has adversely affected those over 70 and 80 years of age and their ability to qualify for a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41480/19]
View answerIt would always be the Government's intention that people's ability to qualify for a medical card would not be adversely affected by any increases in social welfare payments. The HSE continuously monitors the medical card scheme and would advise the Department if it considers that changes in the rates of social welfare payments may affect people's ability to qualify for a medical card.
It should also be noted that the gross medical card income limits for persons aged 70 or older are reviewed and considered annually in the context of the Budget and the Consumer Price Index.
In that regard, I am very pleased that Budget 2020 will provide for an increase in the gross income limits for medical cards for the over 70's. The revised income limits are €550 per week for a single person over 70 (currently €500) and €1050 per week for a married couple over 70 (currently €900). These increases to the gross medical card income limits for persons aged 70 or older will apply from July 2020.
