Some holders are eligible for reduced Universal Social Charge rates and are entitled to a range of other benefits.
It was described as a "white card replacing the red ticket", the latter being a proof of pauperism required under the Irish poor laws for access to the public dispensary.
The medical card scheme was administered by county councils until the newly created Health Boards took over in 1970; these in turn were replaced by the HSE in 2005.
[3][4] Until the Irish financial crisis of 2008, persons aged over 70 were automatically entitled to free medical cards.
[5] In March 2016 the HSE's National Medical Card Unit invited public comment on its draft three-year plan for 2016–18.