Medical card assessment to disregard €14k-rent-a room scheme income

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will seek government approval for the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 which will see current or potential medical card holders availing of the scheme in a bid to expand the scheme and help the housing crisis.

People who receive up to €14,000 a year under the rent-a-room scheme will have the money disregarded when being assessed for a medical card, under plans being brought to Cabinet.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will seek government approval for the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024 which will see current or potential medical card holders availing of the scheme in a bid to expand the scheme and help the housing crisis. Mr Donnelly’s legislation will also enhance access to contraception and remove the need for GP visits in some circumstances, by expanding the role of pharmacists in the State.