The HSE is trying to improve communications around who is eligible for a medical card following changes in the budget, with the launch of a 150 thousand euro publicity campaign.
It follows concerns that many people feared they would no longer qualify for a card after budget changes aiming to save the government up to 113 million euro.
The changes included tighter eligibility for the over 70s, for people coming off the unemployment benefit and for those who the government believes should no longer qualify.
The HSE is now distributing leaflets and improving online information about medical cards, and the call centre has extended its opening hours to 8 until 8 every day - and spokesman Paul Connors says theyÂ’'ve also changed how letters are written to make them easier to understand:
