This paper investigates how the health care demand among the elderly is affected by the health card subsidy issued by the government after the financial crisis in 1997. The health card subsidy provides free access to health services for the poor; and was accepted at any available health center, or 'puskesmas'. Using the Indonesia socio-economic survey data for 2003, results show that the health card has positive effect on puskesmas utilization, particularly the demand on health care facilities among the 55 year-old population. Unfortunately, due to mistargeting resulting from difficulties in locating poor households, the health card also benefited wealthier individuals in their access of health centers.