asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the changes being introduced by the Western Health Board in relation to the long term illness scheme; and if these changes are intended as cost-cutting exercises, if this means that the financial burden is passed on to the Central Exchequer.
Written Answers - Long Term Illness Scheme.
18.
I understand from the Western Health Board that they have undertaken an examination of the position of persons in their area who hold both a medical card, under the GMS ("choice of doctor") scheme and also a long term illness book under the long term illness scheme.
Eligibility for a medical card is a comprehensive entitlement and, in the normal course of events, medical card holders are not eligible for, and do not require the benefits of the long term illness scheme. However, there are certain items sometimes prescribed for the treatment of scheduled conditions in the long term illness scheme which, as non-prescription "over the counter type" items, are not available under the GMS scheme.
As a matter of convenience to patients, those medical card holders who also have long term illness books have been asked to use the long term illness scheme to obtain the minority of products which are not available in the GMS. This arrangement is in accordance with the statutory basis of eligibility for health services and the cost of the services provided will be met from the health budget. While there may be some slight reduction in the overall cost of drugs supplied to patients as a result of this review, the primary objective of the board has been to ensure that the appropriate services are used by the patients concerned. I am satisfied that the board are acting properly in the matter.