7,000 older people lose their medical cards

About 7,000 elderly people lost their medical cards in September as a result of changes to the income threshold announced in last year’s budget.

Fianna Fáil said the figures revealed a “shameless cull” and a betrayal of the elderly. However, the Government insisted it was not and said that all those who have lost the benefit have moved on to GP-visit cards which ensured they could continue to visit their doctor for free.

The income limits for medical cards for people over 70 were cut from €600 a week to €500 a week from January 1. The limit for couples was reduced from €1,200 to €900.