Working for Work : Chapter 2 : Coping with Poverty

Medical Cards

Medical Cards entitle people on low incomes to free medical care and a range of medical services. They are issued by local HSE and are subject to passing a means test.

As of Friday October 1st 2010 all medical card holders have to pay a charge of 50c per item dispensed by pharmacists. There are no exceptions to this charge.

If you are solely dependant on social welfare payments you will usually pass the means test for the medical card. Medical Cards can be issued on hardship grounds even if a person's income exceeds the income guidelines. Each application is considered on its own merits, so if your income is more than the guidelines and you have specific hardship circumstances, you should still apply giving as much detail and evidence of your circumstances as possible.

The means test guidelines, still under review, based on gross income less PRSI, are as follows:

 

Medical Card Income Guidelines:

Single person under 66 living alone €184.00 Single person under 66 living with family €164.00 Couple under 66 (+ Lone Parent) €266.50 Couple 66 - 69* €298.00 + each child under 16 €38.00 (1st and 2nd) €41.00 (3rd +) + each dependant child over 16 €39.00 (1st and 2nd) €42.50 (3rd +) + over 16 in full-time third level (not grant aided) €78.00 Reasonable expenses incurred in respect of childcare costs and rent / mortgage payments will also be allowed. Weekly travel to work costs are also allowed. *All persons over 70 are entitled to a medical card subject to a means test. This does not cover their dependants.

 

If you are unemployed for 12 months or more you may keep your Medical Card for up to 3 years, in certain circumstances, when you get a job (see Chapter 4).

Income from Family Income Supplement (FIS) is not counted when working out if you are within the income guidelines.

If you live in the Republic of Ireland and work in Northern Ireland, you are entitled to a medical card regardless of your income.

If you are under 25 and living at home with your parents, you will normally not receive a medical card unless your parents have one.

GP Visit Medical Cards

In extending the provision of the medical card scheme a 'Doctor Visit only' medical card was introduced. This card entitles you to free visits to your doctor, but you may still have to pay for medication.

 

GP Visit Cards Income guidelines:

Single person under 66 living alone €276.00 Single person under 66 living with family €246.00 Couple under 66 (+ Lone Parent) €400.00 Couple 66-69 (+ Lone Parent) €447.00 + each child under 16 €57.00 (1st & 2nd) €61.50 (3rd +) + each dependant child over 16 €58.50 (1st & 2nd) €64.00 (3rd +) + over 16 in full time third level (not grant aided) €117.00

Reasonable expenses incurred in respect of childcare costs and rent/mortgage payments will also be allowed.

Last Updated: 31/08/2011 ^ back to top