Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2021
273. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of doubling the income limit for eligibility for both the full medical card and the general practitioner card for those under 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4828/21]
View answerIn accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE issues income guidelines to assist in determining entitlement to medical cards/GP visit cards. Any revision to the income thresholds has regard for Government policy, increases in the Consumer Price Index and other issues which may be relevant.
With regard to the estimated cost of increasing income thresholds in the manner sought, this information is not readily available at this time. However to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, it should be noted that my Department keeps medical card issues such as existing income thresholds under regular review.
