Medical card numbers down 10,400 in 2013

The numbers with discretionary medical cards has fallen 10,400 since the start of the year, with the greatest share of withdrawals or refusals in the South.

Cork, Kerry, Waterford, and Tipperary South, as well as Carlow, Kilkenny, and Wexford, make up half of the overall reduction, compared to North Dublin and surrounding counties, which make up just 10%.

The latest figures from the HSE show the number receiving discretionary medical cards, based on “undue hardship” caused by a medical condition, rather than income, is down from 63,100 last year to 52,700 in October.