Paul McGrath
Ceist:588 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will outline the new medical card limits which came into effect on 1 January 2002. [1945/02]
Written Answers. - Medical Cards.
The new medical card guidelines effective from 1st January 2002 are as follows:
|
Amount () |
|
|
Single Person Living Alone |
|
|
Aged up to 66 years |
132.00 |
|
Aged between 66 – 69 years |
144.00 |
|
Aged between 70 – 79 years |
285.00 |
|
Aged 80 years and over |
300.50 |
|
Single Person Living with Family |
|
|
Aged up to 66 years |
117.00 |
|
Aged between 66 – 69 years |
124.00 |
|
Aged between 70 – 79 years |
246.50 |
|
Aged 80 years and over |
258.00 |
|
Married Couple |
|
|
Aged up to 66 years |
190.50 |
|
Aged between 66 – 69 |
214.00 |
|
Aged between 70 – 79 years |
427.00 |
|
Aged 80 years and over |
449.00 |
|
Allowances |
|
|
For child under 16 years |
24.00 |
|
For dependant over 16 years with no income, maintained by the applicant |
25.00 |
|
Expenses incurred in travelling to work in excess of 21.00 |
|
|
Out-goings on house (rent, etc.) in excess of 24.00 |
Note : All persons aged 70 years and over are entitled to a medical card regardless of income. This medical card, which is not means tested, covers the applicant only and does not cover dependants.
My Department advised the health board chief executive officers last year and again this year that medical card holders should not lose their cards because of the increases in social welfare rates announced in the budget.