Why is it so taboo for me to own a medical card?

Gamer Bhoy 89 · 10-10-2019 10:25am #1

I don't remember how I got mine nor do I know how one applies for a card.

But I've had a few friends and colleagues over the years find out I have one and give me a dirty look or begrudgingly tell me to take advantage of it if I need a prescription.

Comments like "at least you have a f*cking medical card, I'm not entitled one" get thrown around a lot.

My renewed one just came through the door today, and it reminded me - hence this thread.

What is this taboo I'm seeing towards me, and I suppose others, who own a medical card?

(since this is the After Hours forum, I anticipate the first reply to be the cleverest)

my3cents · 10-10-2019 10:27am

Any chance you live in on one side of the boarder and work on the other?

http://borderpeople.info/a-z/healthcare-for-frontier-workers.html who knows after Brexit?

Gamer Bhoy 89 · 10-10-2019 10:28am

my3cents wrote: »

Any chance you live in on one side of the boarder and work on the other?

I live in Tramore.

my3cents wrote: »

http://borderpeople.info/a-z/healthcare-for-frontier-workers.html who knows after Brexit?

Whoa, I never said I worked near or across any border?

my3cents · 10-10-2019 10:29am

Gamer Bhoy 89 wrote: »

I live in Tramore.

That would be a long commute

Gamer Bhoy 89 · 10-10-2019 10:30am

I edited my first reply there./

punisher5112 · 10-10-2019 10:31am

Why would you be telling anyone you have one....

You obviously fit the bill to be given one....

Plumbthedepths · 10-10-2019 10:31am

I don't have one but it was my understanding you had to summit information to requalify when the old card expired.

Mad_maxx · 10-10-2019 10:31am

Plenty of well off people have one, namely wealthy pensioners

Peatys · 10-10-2019 10:31am

Do you need one op? Would you be forced to go without medical care if you didn't have one?

There are plenty on low income jobs that rightly have a medical card.

gwalk · 10-10-2019 10:32am

fecking foreigners coming here and taking our medical cards

go back to your NHS

my3cents · 10-10-2019 10:33am

Gamer Bhoy 89 wrote: »

I live in Tramore.

Whoa, I never said I worked near or across any border?

But its a way of getting a medical card that a lot of people don't know about.

Gamer Bhoy 89 · 10-10-2019 10:33am

punisher5112 wrote: »

Why would you be telling anyone you have one....

Comes up in conversation under context. I have a lot of friends who give out about the HSE lol

Mad_maxx wrote: »

Plenty of well off people have one, namely wealthy pensioners

Well I'm a part time janny at the moment so, maybe that has something to do with it?

EmmetSpiceland · 10-10-2019 10:34am

People get jealous over the strangest things. I go to the doctors once, maybe twice, a year.

If someone I know was a medical card “recipient” I would just assume there’s a reason for it. If there’s no reason I would hold my indignation for the system not the card holder.

Peatys · 10-10-2019 10:35am

my3cents wrote: »

But its a way of getting a medical card that a lot of people don't know about.

I'm listening, go on..

Gamer Bhoy 89 · 10-10-2019 10:35am

gwalk wrote: »

fecking foreigners coming here and taking our medical cards

go back to your NHS

I know. Shocking.

my3cents · 10-10-2019 10:36am

Peatys wrote: »

I'm listening, go on..

Just follow the link above.

Plumbthedepths · 10-10-2019 10:37am

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

People get jealous over the strangest things. I go to the doctors once, maybe twice, a year.

If someone I know was a medical card “recipient” I would just assume there’s a reason for it. If there’s no reason I would hold my indignation for the system not the card holder.

Rarely go to the doctor myself but the 60 euro fee makes you aware that maybe it's just a headcold and not ebola.

super_furry · 10-10-2019 10:38am

How does anyone even know you have one?

Gamer Bhoy 89 · 10-10-2019 10:40am

super_furry wrote: »

How does anyone even know you have one?

As I said it just comes up in conversation,
like a passing comment within the context of the conversation I'm having with someone..

..or if I vent about a pain I have, someone'll tell me "d'ya have a medical card?" I say yeah then they say "well f*ckin put it to use then and go to the doctor, don't be complaining when you have a card"

That kind of comment ^

P.S. keep in mind these are family and friends I talk to not complete strangers I complain about the weather to in the street..

EmmetSpiceland · 10-10-2019 10:51am

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

Rarely go to the doctor myself but the 60 euro fee makes you aware that maybe it's just a headcold and not ebola.

To be honest with you, if I’m going it’s because I need antibiotics and want a “sick note”.

If the doc doesn’t agree I’m looking at a full physical and I’ll be “backing into” that finger to teach them a lesson.

I once had a young doctor give me a “sick note” that didn’t cover the Friday, was in on a Tuesday so got Tuesday to Thursday. I was not impressed.

maudgonner · 10-10-2019 1:48pm

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

To be honest with you, if I’m going it’s because I need antibiotics and want a “sick note”.

If the doc doesn’t agree I’m looking at a full physical and I’ll be “backing into” that finger to teach them a lesson.

I once had a young doctor give me a “sick note” that didn’t cover the Friday, was in on a Tuesday so got Tuesday to Thursday. I was not impressed.

Quotitis is clearly viral so, and can't be cured by antibiotics.

Muahahaha · 10-10-2019 1:49pm

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

To be honest with you, if I’m going it’s because I need antibiotics and want a “sick note”.

If the doc doesn’t agree I’m looking at a full physical and I’ll be “backing into” that finger to teach them a lesson.

I once had a young doctor give me a “sick note” that didn’t cover the Friday, was in on a Tuesday so got Tuesday to Thursday. I was not impressed.

Well that escalated quickly, from a sick note to anal probing :eek:

Ficheall · 10-10-2019 2:17pm

Emmet, I think we can all agree that you are a sick individual - will the boss take boardsies' word for it?

jimgoose · 10-10-2019 2:19pm

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

...If the doc doesn’t agree I’m looking at a full physical and I’ll be “backing into” that finger....

That's all fine and well unless you can see both of the furty ducker's hands while this "finger" business is going on... :eek:

EmmetSpiceland · 10-10-2019 2:33pm

Muahahaha wrote: »

Well that escalated quickly, from a sick note to anal probing :eek:

It’s about getting your money’s worth, M. If I’m paying €60 to be told I won’t be getting any “certified” time off work I’ll be sure to get a prostate exam or my balls checked.

The doc will learn fast enough how things should go in future. I mean, what sort of monster wouldn’t give you three days and a weekend included in the “sick note”?

Bob Harris · 10-10-2019 2:36pm

Aren't you Scottish OP? Just another example of blow in chancers on the take.

Edgware · 10-10-2019 3:40pm

Gamer Bhoy 89 wrote: »

I live in Tramore.

Whoa, I never said I worked near or across any border?

Living in Tramore! I understand why you might need one

10-10-2019 3:45pm

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

It’s about getting your money’s worth, M. If I’m paying €60 to be told I won’t be getting any “certified” time off work I’ll be sure to get a prostate exam or my balls checked.

The doc will learn fast enough how things should go in future. I mean, what sort of monster wouldn’t give you three days and a weekend included in the “sick note”?

When needing a sick note, never once has a doctor done more than look in my direction.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 10-10-2019 3:48pm

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

I don't have one but it was my understanding you had to summit information to requalify when the old card expired.

No, I’ve received new ones in the last few years without reapplying.

moonage · 10-10-2019 4:35pm

EmmetSpiceland wrote: »

It’s about getting your money’s worth, M. If I’m paying €60 to be told I won’t be getting any “certified” time off work I’ll be sure to get a prostate exam or my balls checked.

Yes, and if it's an attractive lady doctor it's win-win!

my3cents · 10-10-2019 5:03pm

moonage wrote: »

Yes, and if it's an attractive lady doctor it's win-win!

Cheap too for €60 :pac:

Geuze · 10-10-2019 5:07pm

Gamer Bhoy 89 wrote: »

I don't remember how I got mine nor do I know how one applies for a card.

You qualify for a full med card if you have a low income:

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/medical_cards_and_gp_visit_cards/medical_card_means_test_under_70s.html#l6aeed

Assessment of income
Weekly income limit (gross less tax, Universal Social Charge and PRSI)

Category Aged under 66 Aged over 66

Single person living alone €184 €201.50

Single person living with family €164 €173.50

Couple, married/cohabiting/civil partners (or lone parent with dependent children) €266.50 €298

Allowance for each of first 2 children aged under 16 €38 €38
Allowance for 3rd and each subsequent child under 16 €41 €41
Allowance for each of first 2 children aged over 16 (with no income)
€39 €39
Allowance for 3rd and each subsequent child over 16 (with no income) €42.50 €42.50
Each dependant over 16 years in full-time third-level education, who is not grant aided €78 €78

AulWan · 10-10-2019 5:12pm

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

I don't have one but it was my understanding you had to summit information to requalify when the old card expired.

Not always. Sometimes they roll them over automatically, especially if the card is awarded on medical grounds.

GHOST MGG · 10-10-2019 5:13pm

Does anyone know if the medical card covers ebola virus..asking for a friend

AulWan · 10-10-2019 10:38pm

By a very happy coincidence, I got home from work tonight and what did I find in my post? My medical card, rolled over for another year.

corner of hells · 10-10-2019 10:39pm

GHOST MGG wrote: »

Does anyone know if the medical card covers ebola virus..asking for a friend

Yes , yes it does .

One eyed Jack · 10-10-2019 10:44pm

If you weren’t entitled to it OP, they wouldn’t be long cutting you off. They’re strict about the qualifying criteria and there are plenty of people who miss out on qualifying for one even though they feel they should be entitled to one, or they know someone who they feel should be entitled to one.

That’s why they may get a bit testy with you when you’re not at deaths door.

CramCycle · 10-10-2019 10:45pm

Gamer Bhoy 89 wrote: »

As I said it just comes up in conversation,
like a passing comment within the context of the conversation I'm having with someone..

..or if I vent about a pain I have, someone'll tell me "d'ya have a medical card?" I say yeah then they say "well f*ckin put it to use then and go to the doctor, don't be complaining when you have a card"

That kind of comment ^

P.S. keep in mind these are family and friends I talk to not complete strangers I complain about the weather to in the street..

This doesn't happen, people who judge those with medical cards are d1cks but the only way they know is if you tell them.

Also, even if it was true, that's not a begrudging comment, its telling you to stop whinging when you have the ability to do something about your issue, and in this regard, i would agree. Stop whinging.

One eyed Jack · 10-10-2019 10:50pm

CramCycle wrote: »

This doesn't happen, people who judge those with medical cards are d1cks but the only way they know is if you tell them.

Also, even if it was true, that's not a begrudging comment, its telling you to stop whinging when you have the ability to do something about your issue, and in this regard, i would agree. Stop whinging.

It’s often one of the first things I ask people who are ill, but yes the motivation behind it is more like your explanation than begrudgery - stop whinging when they have the means to do something about it, like the first step being to visit their GP.

Nigel Fairservice · 10-10-2019 10:50pm

I wouldn't say there's much taboo around having a medical card. I have MS but don't qualify for a medical card. A lady I work with assumed I had one and wanted a private chat with me one day about how she'd go about applying for one. She was surprised when I told her I didn't have one.

Potential-Monke · 13-10-2019 5:14am

I wouldn't call it taboo, but more annoyance. I don't have one. Never had, and hopefully will be financially stable enough and healthy enough that I won't need to apply for one. But it's annoyance when I see people who don't deserve one with one. Depending on how sick you get, having a medical card can save thousands! It does annoy me somewhat that I have to pay up to €60 and other people get it for free. But the dole in general annoys me. As does the free money for having sex (child allowance). Basically, I don't want anyone else getting anything for free while I work for it.

Yes, I'm a bitter old man in my mid to late 30s.

McDermotX · 13-10-2019 5:56am

I love walking into the waiting room at the doctors.........only one paying money that day, of course I have to wait for the privilege of doing so as reams of card carrying 'unfortunates' bounce in and out with all their, no doubt, 'necessary' free passes they're 'entitled' to.

'What's that ?'

60 quid.?....no problem, just let me fetch that from my wallet after deducting everything else from my wages that week' - the joys of being fortunate enough to contribute all my working life. Fantastic.

Cut the unnecessary cards, allow it for only the most genuine of cases, 10euro charge on GP visits regardless. That'll soon thin out the ranks a little.

Wanderer78 · 13-10-2019 6:20am

....the unemployed smell funny to....

McDermotX · 13-10-2019 6:25am

Some do......sure.

Some of those in employment as well, from my experience.

Certainly the doctor's waiting room does.

Wanderer78 · 13-10-2019 6:29am

McDermotX wrote:

Some do......sure.

Filthy animals

Brian? · 13-10-2019 6:55am

Gamer Bhoy 89 wrote: »

As I said it just comes up in conversation,
like a passing comment within the context of the conversation I'm having with someone..

..or if I vent about a pain I have, someone'll tell me "d'ya have a medical card?" I say yeah then they say "well f*ckin put it to use then and go to the doctor, don't be complaining when you have a card"

That kind of comment ^

P.S. keep in mind these are family and friends I talk to not complete strangers I complain about the weather to in the street..

If having a medical card is taboo, you need new friends.

Your Face · 13-10-2019 7:08am

Wanderer78 wrote: »

....the unemployed smell funny to....

They're bad at spelling too.

Wanderer78 · 13-10-2019 7:09am

Your Face wrote:

They're bad at spelling too.

Stipud idoits

dartboardio · 13-10-2019 7:13am

No big deal. I wouldn't care if you have one, but more likely why I don't.

I've worked in the medical card unit and have seen people on €60k+ get a medical card, all depending on how much they pay out in outgoings each week and if they have significant medical issues.

13-10-2019 7:38am

dartboardio wrote: »

No big deal. I wouldn't care if you have one, but more likely why I don't.

I've worked in the medical card unit and have seen people on €60k+ get a medical card, all depending on how much they pay out in outgoings each week and if they have significant medical issues.

GP only card?

I don't see anyone on €60k getting full medical card.

B.A._Baracus · 13-10-2019 1:37pm

Hey op,
Gotta agree with others in that you shouldn't tell anyone you have one.

But hey look people begrudge others. People are as*holes. No one wants to see you with anything. That's the answer to your question.