Vol. 577 No. 3
435 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will examine the issue of the eligibility of people who take up employment and who are no longer eligible for medical cards, to avail of the important hearing aid service implemented by the health boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30816/03]
Under the Health Acts, hearing aids are provided free of charge to adult medical card holders over the age of 16 years who require them. The determination of eligibility of applicants for medical cards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. Persons aged 70 and over are automatically eligible for a medical card without reference to their means. Medical cards are issued to persons who, in the opinion of the chief executive officer, are unable without undue financial hardship to arrange medical and other services for themselves and their dependants.
The means test applicable for medical card applicants is based on family income. In exceptional cases, where the family income of applicants' exceeds the income guidelines, a medical card may be issued for one member where medical and/or other needs may so dictate.
As the Deputy is aware the health strategy includes a commitment that significant improvements will be made in the medical card income guidelines to increase the number of persons on low income who are eligible for a medical card. Due to the prevailing budgetary situation, I regret that it is not possible to meet this commitment this year but the Government remains committed to the introduction of the necessary changes within the lifetime of this Government.
