TD for Dublin Mid-West Mark Ward recently secured a commitment from the Tanaiste Leo Varadkar to examine the anomaly of those who lose their medical card entitlements whilst transitioning from invalidity pensions and carers to the state pension. The Tanaiste made this commitment after questions by Teachta Ward on promised legislation recently.
Teachta Ward said: “People who qualify for an invalidity pension are eligible for a medical card and free GP visits regardless of spousal income. “But at the age of 66 they are transferred to the contributory state pension where they lose eligibility. “This is presenting as a cliff edge for a number of people including constituents in Dublin Mid West “These people are reliant on the medical card due to the cost of medicines and GP Visits “She will have to wait 4 years to be eligible again through the over 70’s medical card scheme. “This is a financial barrier to older citizens in accessing medical care when they need it and where they need it. “I cautiously welcome the Tanaiste commitment to examine the anomaly that exists that people on invalidity pensions between at the age of 66 lose their medical cards despite no change in their incomes. “After all they are on invalidity pensions for a reason.
