The Health Minister Leo Varadkar will bring a package to Cabinet today aimed at solving the problems surrounding discretionary medical cards.

The coalition parties will be hoping they can avoid another controversy after a backlash against the removal of some cards following reviews earlier this year.

It is expected the new proposals will bring more transparency about the assessment process, and all illnesses will be considered for a card.

While Mr Varadkar told Newstalk last month there will be a secondary medical card test for those who do not meet the criteria of the means test.

Paul Cullen is health correspondent with the Irish Times.

He told Newstalk Breakfast that those with terminal illness should not have to renew their cards under the new plan.