Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
337. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if the income eligibility guidelines to qualify for the medical card can be revised annually to take into account any social welfare increases announced in the annual Budget in order to ensure that people who already have a medical card and who have an income made up of a social welfare payment and an occupational pension do not lose this benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26834/23]
View answerEligibility for a medical card is based primarily on residency and means under the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The Act provides that persons who are unable, without undue hardship, to arrange a particular service which is available to persons with full eligibility, for themselves and family can qualify for full eligibility (a medical card). The HSE awards medical cards in accordance with the Health Act and assesses applicants on the overall financial situation of the applicant and his or her spouse or partner.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of any difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card or GP visit card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult social or financial circumstances.
It is also important to note that if a person's sole income is derived from a social welfare payment, even where this payment is in excess of the current income thresholds, a medical card will be awarded.
I can assure the Deputy that, in order to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review, including in relation to current medical card income thresholds.
