Finian McGrath
Ceist:86. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support a request for medical cards for persons over 70 years of age (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9322/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 5 May 2016
Ceisteanna (86)
Freagraí scríofa
The Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) (No. 2) Act 2013 sets out that, when a person attains the age of 70, the medical card income limits are €500 gross income per week for a single person and €900 gross income per week for a couple. There are no proposals to change these gross income limits.
The Deputy will be aware that persons aged 70 or older, who are assessed as ineligible under the gross income thresholds, may also have their eligibility assessed under the means tested medical card scheme in the event that they face particularly high expenses, e.g. nursing home or medication costs. This scheme is open to all persons, irrespective of their age and assessment is based on net income and assessable outgoing expenses. The qualifying income thresholds under this scheme are lower than over 70s gross income thresholds.
Furthermore, persons, including those aged over 70 years, may be eligible for a medical card where discretion is exercised where they face undue hardship in arranging medical services as a result of medical or social circumstances.
The Deputy will be fully aware that, from August 2015, the Government ensured that all persons aged 70 or older can access a GP service without charges regardless of income under the second phase of universal GP care.