You may not qualify for a medical card based on the means test. But if you have medical expenses, you may qualify for a discretionary medical card.
A discretionary medical card gives you the same services as a means-tested medical card.
The discretionary medical card assessment process
The application process is the same for a means-tested medical card. But you can also provide information about your family's medical expenses.
These include:
- attending your GP
- medications or appliances
- hospital treatment
Medical expenses
Include evidence of medical expenses in your application.
Medical expenses include:
- copies of receipts for prescribed medicines
- copies of receipts or bills from your GP, consultant or other healthcare professional
- evidence of purchase or renting healthcare appliances. For example, a CPAP machine or independent living equipment
Medical officers and deciding officers will then assess your application.
How long cards are issued for
Discretionary medical cards are issued for a specific time frame. The time frame will depend on your circumstances.
Include a medical report
Include a medical report if you want to be assessed for a discretionary medical card.
We 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
Below is a standard medical report template form your GP can fill in.
GP medical report form for discretionary medical card application (PDF, 97KB, 2 pages)