People applying for medical cards who are over the age of 70 are still facing lower income threshold tests despite legislation passing which has increased the threshold limit on an application, according to Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West Aindrias Moynihan.
He commented, “I am aware of at least two of my constituents who have had their applications recently refused under the old thresholds when applying for a medical card. Both individuals were over 70 and should have had the updated thresholds applied to them.
“Due to this, I have another constituent holding back an application until the requirements in the new legislation are implemented. I believe there are many across the country in this position.
“I have written to both the HSE and the Minister for Health to highlight this matter. I understand the legislation was signed into law on August 2nd.
“There is a real benefit to applicants, who previously may have been over the threshold. With the limit increased it is expected many more people over 70 will apply for a medical card and be successful in their application. It appears only to be an exercise in changing the internal processes on how they evaluate applications within the HSE. This should be done urgently.
“I look forward to engaging with both the HSE and Minister for Health to see this change implemented promptly,” concluded Deputy Moynihan.
