The Government (what is left of it ) is planning to bring amendments to the Finance Bill relating to the universal social charge.
There was previously an exemption from paying the Health Levy and Income Levy for Medical Card holders. The new USC was introduced in Jan 2011 without any exemption for Medical Card holders
The new proposal is to cap the rate for those holding a medical card at 4%. (7% is currently payable on income over €16016.)
To pay for this (estimated €80 million) – it is also being proposed to get self-employed people earning more than €100,000 to pay an extra 3% surcharge on any incomes above €100,000.
It will be part of the Finance Bill being rushed through this week.