Budget 2013 Health: 20,000 pensioners to lose full medical card

About 20,000 pensioners are to lose their full medical card and have it replaced with a GP-only card, it has emerged.

The measure is being introduced as part of €781m savings in next year’s health budget, announced yesterday by Health Minister Dr James Reilly.

Losing their medical card will be those over the age of 70 with a weekly income of €600-€700 and €1,200-€1,400 for a couple.