Dáil to discuss medical card cuts
TDs will today begin debating legislation to cut medical cards for over-70s.
A bill tabled by Health Minister James Reilly will result in around 150,000 older people losing their medical cards.
Instead they'll be moved onto free GP cards, leaving them to cover the cost of their own medication.
One of the Budget's most controversial elements, the bill comes back before the Dáil today, when TDs start putting the necessary legal arrangements in place to change the income limits for medical cards for people over 70.
The legislation will bring 150,000 people over the income limit, and while they are still set to receive free GP care, they'll have to pay for any prescription medication themselves.
Coming only a day after the news that the cost of many health insurance policies would be rising next year, it's likely to prove even more controversial than before.
TDs will vote on the measure tomorrow afternoon.
Before the debate, Minister Reilly will be pressed on whether the HSE can continue to offer safe health services following the cuts in last month's Budget, and on the controversial rollout of primary care centres.
