asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a recent report (details supplied) which stated that people were dying from the effects of asthma simply because those caught in the medical poverty trap just above the General Medical Service entitlement area and below a certain level of income were unable to buy the drugs needed to fend off the painful and frequent bouts; and if he has any plans to alleviate the position of such people, by seeking to have asthma drugs made available more cheaply by the major drug companies.
Written Answers. - Drugs for Asthma Patients.
208.
At present some 40 per cent of asthma patients would be covered by medical cards and, therefore, receive all their prescribed drugs and general practitioner services entirely free of charge. Significant ongoing medical expenses (including of course expenditure incurred on the purchase of prescription medicines and on professional fees) are amongst the factors reckoned in determining eligibility for medical card cover. In the case of a family a medical card can be issued to one member of the family only.
Persons whose income precludes such eligibility can avail of the benefits of the drugs refund scheme. The scheme ensures that net expenditure on prescribed drugs and medicines, for an individual or a family, does not exceed £28 in respect of any given 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.
Any persons who believe that they are incurring hardship in providing general practitioner services and associated prescription requisites for themselves and their dependants should contact the local community care office of the appropriate health board with a view to applying for issue of a medical card.