Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
1060. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has reviewed the administrative process required of persons aged 70 years and over when applying for a medical card, and whether any reforms are planned to streamline or reduce the documentation burden for older applicants. [72244/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEligibility for a medical card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner and other medical services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure.
Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. However, it should be noted that those aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high medical costs. Furthermore, the Deputy may be aware that, since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card.
Applications for a medical card and GP visit card can be made online at www.mymedicalcard.ie/. This is the quickest method of applying for a card. All of the required documentation that will assist in an application can also be uploaded along with the online application. Application forms are also available from local health centres or Local Health Offices for different areas.
The HSE strives to have an application process for medical cards which is as streamlined and straightforward as possible for all applicants. Assistance is available to persons completing application forms through the National Medical Card Unit and Local Health Offices if needed. Alternatively, an application form can be downloaded from the HSE’s website.
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant.
