More medical cards for people over 70

New measures will see the gross income limit for medical card eligibility for those aged 70 or over increased to €550 per week for a single person or €1,050 per week for a couple. This represents an increase of €50 and €150 respectively and will mean an extra 56,000 people over the age of 70 will be eligible for a medical card.

The move to extend medical cards for over 56,000 people over the age of 70 has been welcomed by Fianna Fáil TD Niamh Smyth.

Under the scheme prescription charges will be reduced by 50c and the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold will be reduced from €124 per month to €114 per month.

Deputy Smyth said Cabinet approved of the measures takes effect on November 1st: “This will undoubtedly help people across Cavan, Monaghan and Meath. Today is a demonstration of Fianna Fáil’s commitment to fulfilling the obligations in the Programme for Government,” she told the Celt.

“Looking after those who are older and more vulnerable among us is a key priority and this measure will not only ease the financial burden on people aged over 70 but also encourage them to seek medical attention sooner rather than later,” Deputy Smyth explained.

Those under 70 will now only pay a maximum of €15 per month for prescribed medicines while those over 70 will only pay a maximum of €10 per month for prescribed medicines. 1.38 million people availing of the Drugs Payment Scheme will have €10 per month back in their packet.

“These are measures to be welcomed,” Deputy Smyth concluded.