Carlow Kilkenny Fine Gael Senator John Paul Phelan has asked that the Government come clean about the plan for medical cards for the over 70s and spell out what they are considering for the future of the scheme.
Senator Phelan said that he is concerned that the Government may be considering cutbacks in the Department of Health and that the over 70s medical card may be under threat.
“I believe that the Government is planning on reforming the over 70s medical card scheme which was introduced for elderly people in 2001. All other age-groups are means tested for medical cards and I fear that the Government is planning a reform of this nature which would mean that the over 70s would have to prove that they are within a certain financial bracket before they could avail of the medical card.
“Whatever the Government is planning it is timely that they come clean with their plans. There is much uncertainty currently with the annual budget taking place next week. I presume that this unrest is not simply a smoke screen for what is to come in next week's budget. Slashing medical cards for over 70s is once again targeting some of the most vulnerable people in our society. It should not even be considered at this stage. It is not acceptable that it be means tested.
“Already there are concerns for the elderly this winter with fuel charges having risen at an unprecedented level in recent months. Taking medical cards from the elderly will be another necessary expense. There are also concerns that older people will be sacrificing fuel for food this winter. We do not want to see a situation where the elderly are not visiting the doctor as they need to eat. This could lead to lives being lost and the blame being laid firmly at the feet of the Government. This would be a hard cross to bear for any Government.
“The exchequer spend on the over 70s medical card is not massive in terms of overall health spending and it has resulted in a huge uptake in preventive services by older people. Take this comfort away from the elderly at your peril,” concluded Senator Phelan.
