Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1405. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if there are any plans to increase the income threshold for medical cards for people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1137/23]
View answerWednesday, 18 January 2023
Questions (1405)
Written answers
Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.
Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account, i.e. mortgage payments, which help to increase the amount a person can earn and still qualify for a medical card.
Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under the over 70s medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. It should be noted that, in November 2020, the weekly gross medical card income thresholds for those aged 70 and over were increased to €550 per week for a single person and €1,050 for a couple.
However, It should be noted that those aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high costs, e.g., medication, nursing home fees.
I can advise the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues, such as the current medical card income thresholds under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant.