If you have lost your entitlement to the over-70s medical card because your income exceeds the new limits, what alternative supports are out there?

General medical card

Even if your income disqualifies you from receiving an over-70s medical card, you can still apply to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a medical card under the general scheme if your health circumstances would cause “undue financial hardship”.

There is a means test for the general medical card but, even if your income is over the financial guidelines, the HSE may issue a card if it decides “that the financial burden of medical or other exceptional circumstances would cause undue hardship”.

You can apply by completing form MC1, which is available from local health centres and on www.hse.ie.

GP visit card

If you apply for a general medical card but are unsuccessful, the HSE will automatically assess your eligibility for a GP visit card. If you are granted this card, it will allow you to visit your family doctor for free. However, you will still have to pay for prescribed drugs, medicines and other health services.

There is a means test for the GP visit card but, again, if your income exceeds the guidelines, you may still be granted a card on the grounds that your medical costs cause you undue financial hardship.

Drugs payment scheme

If you are not entitled to a medical card, you should apply for a drugs payment scheme card. Under this scheme, you won’t have to pay more than €100 a month for approved prescribed drugs, medicines and certain appliances for use by yourself and your family in that month.

Anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland (ie living here and intending to continue living here for at least a year) can apply to join the scheme, regardless of their financial situation. However, as medical card holders are entitled to approved prescribed drugs and medicines free of charge, they are not eligible.

Application forms can be downloaded from www.hse.ie and are also available in local pharmacies and health offices.