Question from Deputy Ken O'Flynn - PQ 68699-25

To ask the Minister for Health whether her Department or the HSE have issued any internal guidance, instructions or circulars to deciding officers and medical officers on the treatment of older applicants whose modest pension increases place them marginally above the medical card income threshold, specifically in relation to high medical needs and essential living costs such as heating, utilities and housing; and to outline the date of issue, the content, and the operational purpose of any such guidance.