Elderly in care losing medical cards

Hundreds of elderly people in nursing homes have been losing medical cards because their payments towards their care are not considered in assessments of their income.

Age Action said a review of the medical card system must take account of the impact on over-70s who have to earn a gross income less than €500 a week individually or €900 as a couple.

Those availing of the Fair Deal nursing home scheme pay 80% of their income to the State for the cost of their care. “From the remaining 20% of their income they are now expected to pay for their medications, their physiotherapy and chiropody, and a list of other costs which are not covered by the Fair Deal,” said Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins.