The increase in the income threshold for the over-70s medical card is resulting in additional under-70s receiving the benefits, according to Beverley Flynn TD, member of the Oireachtas Health Committee.
“Now, if either husband or wife is over 70 they both qualify for a medical card if their income is below €1,400 a week,” explained Dep Flynn.
“Because of the raising of the income limit eligibility, more people aged under 70 are receiving the card as a result.
“The Government decision to introduce this scheme was always designed to ensure that the vast majority of persons aged 70 and over would continue to have a medical card – and indeed their spouses – and that only those on higher incomes would lose their entitlement,” added the Fianna Fáil TD.
“While I know the announcement and the manner in which it was handled caused a lot of upset for many people, I am glad to report that the decision is having a positive impact resulting in medical cards being sanctioned to the people that need them most,” she concluded.
