asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to include asthma in the long term illness scheme for drug refunds; and the cost of such an extension to the scheme in a full year.
Written Answers - Long Term Illness Scheme.
213.
At present some 40 per cent of asthma patients are covered by medical cards and therefore, receive all their prescribed drugs, and general practitioner services, entirely free of charge. Significant ongoing medical expenses are reckoned in determining eligibility for medical card cover.
Persons whose income precludes such eligibility can avail themselves of the benefits of the drugs refund scheme. This scheme ensures that their net expenditure on prescribed drugs and medicines for an individual or a family does not exceed £28 per month. Persons insured with the VHI can avail of the benefits applicable to their particular policy. Income tax relief is also available in regard to medical expenses.
I should also refer the Deputy to my speech on the budget dated 4 February in relation to the community drugs schemes.