Medical cards extended to 56,000 over 70s

Paul McAuliffe has welcomed the move to extend medical cards for over 56,000 people over the age of 70.

Under the new measures the gross income limit for medical card eligibility for those aged 70 or over will be 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.

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

These measures will take effect on the 1st of November 2020.