asked the Minister for Health the proposals he has to change the drugs refund scheme as those over the medical card eligibility limits are suffering extreme hardship and are only entitled to the same refund as those on the highest possible incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Drugs Refund Scheme.
398.
The refund scheme offers a subsidy to all households which are not covered by a medical card to ensure that no family has to pay more than £28 for drugs prescribed for use in a calendar month. If the payment of £28 monthly constitutes hardship for a family, even where their income exceeds the medical card guidelines, they can apply to their local health board for a medical card. I am confident that all such applications receive sympathetic consideration.