Brian Stanley says the situation has to be addressed this year.
Concerns over access to medical cards are being voiced by a Laois TD.
Independent rep Brian Stanley says only 42% of the population have either full medical cover or GP care with their cards.
The current threshold for a single person to qualify for a medical card stands at €184 a week.
Deputy Stanley is comparing the situation to the 1980s.
He says it has to be addressed this year:
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