Medical Cards

Thursday, 25 June 2026

Questions (502)

David Cullinane

Question:

502. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of raising the medical card basic weekly rate for a married or co-habiting couple to €1,000, €1,250, €1,500, €2,000 and €2,500 and in proportional amounts for the other thresholds; the number of estimated eligible people in each bracket; the number of currently eligible people in the current brackets; and the estimated cost at expected uptake and at 100% uptake, in tabular form. [48651/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances. Current medical card income thresholds can be considered generally in terms of cohorts aged 70 or older, and under 70 years of age, with separate thresholds and assessment criteria for each.

With regard to the estimated cost of the Deputy's proposals, the information sought is not readily available and will need to be determined. Officials from my Department will be in further contact with the Deputy directly with relevant information as soon as available.