1884. Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost on Budget day for the November 2020 increase in income thresholds for over 70s entitlement to a full medical card and what the actual out-turn cost was. [35585/24]

Eligibility for a Medical Card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn a week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.

Persons aged 70 or older are assessed under medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. In November 2020, the weekly gross medical card income thresholds for those aged 70 and over were increased to €550 per week for a single person and €1050 for a couple. Budget 2020 provided for an expansion of some primary care schemes, including the increase in income thresholds for over 70s, with €45 million announced for allocation to support these measures.

Regarding the actual out-turn cost, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.