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Medical Card
What is a medical card?
If you have a medical card, you can get certain health services free of charge. Usually, your dependent spouse or partner and your children can also get the same range of health services for free.
A medical card is issued by the HSE.
Who can apply for a Medical Card?
An application for a medical card is means tested so it shouldn’t matter about the diagnosis. Many people with ME have had success in their application for a card.
Normally, your total household income is considered in the means test for the medical card.
To qualify for a medical card, your weekly income must be below a certain figure for your family size. Cash income, savings, investments, and property (except for your own home) are considered in the means test. Your household income after tax, PRSI (pay-related social insurance) will be assessed and the USC (Universal Social Charge) that has been deducted.
They will also look at expenses like:
• rent
• mortgage protection
• childcare
• mortgage • maintenance costs • house insurance • nursing home
• travel costs
You can find further details on qualifying income limits here
Applying for a Medical Card
You can apply online for a medical card here
This is the quickest method of getting the card. But working on a hard copy may be easier. Alternatively, you can download a medical card application form, i.e., Medical Card MC1 Form here
Notes
It’s a slow process gathering all the information on expenses etc. Take your time!
You can include all medical expenses (GP & Consultants receipts) as well as prescription costs.
Get onto your healthcare professionals for receipts, or an account of your costs for attending appointments for the last few years if you don’t have them.
Your chemist can also give you a list of all your expenses for the last few years if you get onto them, if you’ve had regular prescription expenses. This can be much easier than gathering receipts you have kept and covers ones you haven’t kept.
This part of the work towards the application can be made easier by just making a few calls requesting those receipts or accounts of your consultations & prescriptions from GP, Consultants and Chemist. Most are helpful.
You could also include other expenses that are related to your ill health including costs of supplements and other tests/treatments/therapies.
Next, you photocopy all and send the copies with your med card application. Keep your originals in case you are asked for them later on. If you are asked for original documents at any stage remember to photocopy all for your own records.
Discretionary Medical Card
If your income is above the limit, you may still be able to get a medical card if your circumstances would result in financial hardship without one.
The application process for the discretionary medical card is the same as for the means tested medical card, but you should also include information about your family’s medical expenses in your application.
- attending your GP
- medications or appliances
- hospital treatment
Medical Report
Include a medical report if you want to be assessed for a discretionary medical card.
The HSE might write to ask you for a medical report if you have included medical bills in your application.
The medical report can include information from:
- GP
- Hospital consultant
- Public health nurse
- Social worker
- Therapist
- You, your carer or family members
A discretionary medical card gives you the same services as a means-tested medical card.
Discretionary medical cards are issued for a specific time frame. The time frame will depend on your circumstances.
More details and how to apply here
Tips
It may be helpful to include a personal letter with your supporting documents when applying for, or appealing a decision regarding, a Discretionary Medical Card.
In your letter, clearly outline your financial circumstances and provide as much relevant detail as possible, including:
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Rent or mortgage repayments
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General cost of living expenses
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Disability-related costs (for example, mobility aids or home adaptation expenses)
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Medical expenses, such as GP visits, private consultant fees, and other healthcare professionals
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Travel costs (to medical appointments or other essential travel)
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Prescription charges
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Any additional financial commitments, such as loan repayments
Be sure to highlight your disposable income after rent/mortgage and essential expenses have been paid, as this will help demonstrate your overall financial position.
Emergency Medical Cards
An emergency medical card is a medical card you can get without a means test if you are in certain emergency situations.
You can get an emergency medical card if you:
- Have a terminal illness and have been told you have 24 months or less to live or
- Are receiving end-of-life treatment, or
- Need urgent ongoing care and urgently need a medical card
GP Visit Card
If you do not qualify for a medical card on income grounds, you may qualify for a GP visit card.
You can apply online for a GP Visit Card here This is the quickest method of getting the card. But working on a hard copy may be easier; you can download a GP Visit Card application, i.e., MC1 Form here
Please see more information via this link including what documents you need to apply for a GP Visit Card.
More from the HSE here
More from Citizens Information here
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