Between 2001 and 2008, everyone over aged 70 was entitled to a medical card without a means test. Under the new legislation, from 1st January 2009 everyone aged over 70 who applies for a medical card will be subject to a means test. However, despite the changes the vast majority of people aged 70 and over will keep their medical card.
From January 2009 there are gross income limits of €700 per week for a single person and €1,400 per week for a married couple. There will be no standard deductions allowable (for example, for income tax). However, people over these limits can still apply for medical cards on a hardship basis under the discretionary scheme, for example, if they have high medical expenses.
Pensions, earnings, interest from capital and all other sources of income are included in the means test.
Spouse aged under 70 years: Where one spouse is aged over 70 years and the other spouse is aged under 70 years, they will both qualify for a medical card if their income is below €1,400 a week.
Widowed: If your spouse or cohabiting partner dies after 1 January 2009 and you are aged over 70, you can keep your medical card for three years, provided that your income is less than €1,400. After the three years the relevant income limit for a single person applies.
If you are aged under 70 when your spouse or cohabiting partner dies, or if you are any age and your spouse or cohabiting partner died before 1 January 2009, the relevant income limit for a single person applies.
Capital; applicants aged over 70 years
Capital (savings and investments) is assessed differently for people aged over 70 years than for those aged under 70 years. For those aged over 70 years, it is only the actual interest earned on capital that is taken into account, not the capital amount. Income from the first €36,000 of capital for a single person and €72,000 for a couple is not counted. Income from savings and similar investments over these amounts will be assessed on a notional interest rate, currently 5%, based on the prevailing interest rates at the time of application. The HSE's Central Application Unit will review the notional rate on a quarterly basis.
However, if you wish to have the actual interest from savings/investments taken into account instead, then the HSE will do this, and apply whichever calculation is better for you. You must supply certificates of interest from your bank or other financial institution.
In the case of “longer term” investment accounts, where the interest is only applied at the end of a fixed period, if you wish, the HSE will only take account of the interest earned on the date the investment matures. Any calculation of interest is inclusive of Deposit Interest Retention Tax.
People who have a medical card issued before 31 December 2008
All existing medical cards for people aged over 70 were valid until 2 March 2009. After that date, they remain valid if the person's income is below the relevant new threshold. The card holders will not have to undergo a means test inless their income is above the limits and they want to apply for a discretionary medical card on the basis of their personal circumstances.
The HSE wrote to all people aged 70 and over informing them about the new arrangements. Ony people who have income above the limits were asked to reply to the HSE. Everyone else simply keeps their card.
Further Information
The HSE have issued guidelines and a useful Q&A's section on their website:
http://www.hse.ie/eng/Find_a_Service/entitlements/Medical_Cards/70medicalcard.html
If you are applying for a new medical card, you can get the application form from your local health centre or local health office. If you are aged over 70, you will need to complete form MC1a.
You complete it and bring it to your GP who signs it. The form must be returned to the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service.
Contact your local health centre or local health office if you have any questions about medical cards and eligibility.
You can also contact the HSE Infoline:
Callsave 1850 24 1850
You may also find it helpful to contact your local Citizen's Information Office or local Social Welfare Office.
