How do I get a medical card?
To qualify for a medical card you must pass a ‘means test’ – your income must be below a certain level. You can find out if you are eligible for a medical card by contacting the HSE website – www.HSE.ie – where you will find the application form. You may apply online. You may also contact the HSE in Tullamore, Co Offaly LoCall 1890 252 919 or contact Limerick Citizens Information Centre on 0761 07 5780.
To get a medical card you will need a PPS number (see page ? of the ‘Employment’ booklet) – will need to be reviewed depending on new layout.
You may automatically qualify for a medical card if you already receive state benefits provided such as:
Free services with a medical card include:
You may also be entitled to the following additional benefits if you have a Medical Card:
The benefits above are available from the relevant government department
Am I entitled to a medical card if I am over 70?
You are entitled to a medical card if you are over 70 years old unless your income before tax deductions is more than:
To qualify for a medical card you must pass a ‘means test’ – your income must be below a certain level. You can find out if you are eligible for a medical card by contacting the HSE website – www.HSE.ie – where you will find the application form. You may apply online. You may also contact the HSE in Tullamore, Co Offaly LoCall 1890 252 919 or contact Limerick Citizens Information Centre on 0761 07 5780.
To get a medical card you will need a PPS number (see page ? of the ‘Employment’ booklet) – will need to be reviewed depending on new layout.
You may automatically qualify for a medical card if you already receive state benefits provided such as:
- supplementary welfare allowance;
- old-age and widow or widowers’ non-contributory pensions;
- disability or deserted wife’s allowances; or
- one-parent family payment.
Free services with a medical card include:
- Doctor Visits - a range of family doctor or GP services from a chosen doctor contracted to the HSE in your local area
- Prescription Medicines: The supply of prescribed approved medicines, aids and appliances like wheelchairs, crutches etc. In some circumstances a deposit may be required for aids and appliances which will be refunded on return of the aid or appliance. A €1.50 charge applies to all prescription medicines dispensed to medical card patients.
- Certain Dental, Ophthalmic (Eye), and Aural (Ear) health services
- Hospital Care - all in-patient services in public wards in public hospitals, including public consultant services
- Hospital Visits - All out-patient services in public hospitals, including public consultant services
- Maternity Cash Grant on the birth of each child
- Medical & Midwifery Care for Mothers, including health care related to pregnancy and the care of the child for six weeks after birth
- Some personal and social care services, for example, public health nursing, social work services and other community care services based on client need.
You may also be entitled to the following additional benefits if you have a Medical Card:
- No need to pay the health portion of your social insurance (PRSI)
- Free transport to school for children who live 3 miles or more from the nearest school
- Exemption from state examination fees in public second-level school
- Financial help with buying school books.
The benefits above are available from the relevant government department
Am I entitled to a medical card if I am over 70?
You are entitled to a medical card if you are over 70 years old unless your income before tax deductions is more than:
- €700 per week for a single person; and
- €1,400 per week for a married couple