Medical Cards

Thursday, 9 July 2026

Ceisteanna (127)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

127. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if, following increase in income thresholds for carer’s allowance eligibility, that the medical card income threshold eligibility for carers and those being cared for would rise in line with this increase to ensure that carers who are now eligible in light of this expansion are not disadvantaged when it comes to applying for medical cards or that those who now apply to become carers will not lose their medical cards upon being granted the allowance; whether she has discussed this with the Minister for Social Protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52150/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Medical Card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each 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.

Persons aged 69 and under are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after tax and the deduction of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account.

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.

It should be noted that Carer’s Allowance is not included as an assessable income in the medical card assessment process.

I can assure the Deputy that, in order to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any proposals are considered in the context of any potential broader implications for Government policy, the annual budgetary estimates process and legislative requirements arising.