October 2008 – Statement from Aine Brady TD on Medical Cards

I apologies for the distress caused to anyone affected by the announcement regarding the changes to the medical card scheme for the over 70's.

Following consideration, which included a submission from myself, the Government have decided to set a new income threshold for medical cards in respect ofpersons aged 70 and over such that all of those whose (gross)weekly income is Eur700 (Eur36,500 pa) or less for a single person, or Eur1,400 (Eur73,000 pa) for a couple will continue tohave a full medical card.

 In addition those with incomes above the threshold experiencing difficulty in meeting their medical needs will be eligible toapply for a medical card under the HSE's discretionary medicalcard scheme.

All persons aged 70 or over will be notified of the newarrangements but only those with incomes over the new thresholdwill be required to notify their circumstances to the HSE. Newapplicants after 1 January, 2009 will be subject to! a means< nderstanding is that 95% of those over 70 will continue tohave a medical card. I enclose a Questions and Answers information sheet on the revised scheme

If you have further questions or comments please feel free to contact me.

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