Peter Barry
Question:175 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the estimated savings to his Department by the new refund of drugs scheme introduced in July.
Written Answers. - Drugs Refund Scheme.
It was expected that the changes introduced in August 1991 in the recoupment arrangements of the drugs refund scheme would result in a reduction of £2.5 million in expenditure on the scheme in the current year.
Peter Barry
Question:176 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Health if he intends to respond to the many complaints regarding the hardships being caused by the changes in the drugs refund scheme introduced this year.
The drugs refund scheme, which provides for a refund of any expenditure on prescribed drugs and medicines in excess of a specified amount over a prescribed period, was amended with effect from 1 August 1991. Under the amended scheme the prescribed periods for expenditure are the quarterly periods commencing on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October in each year. A refund will be made in respect of any expenditure in excess of £90 over the course of any of these quarters.
I would emphasise that the drugs refund scheme is one of a range of drug schemes which benefit the population as a whole. In addition to this scheme, other drug schemes, designed to meet specific needs, are in operation as follows:
Drug Cost Subsidisation Scheme — The continued operation of this scheme, which I introduced last year, ensures that persons who are certified as having a long term medical condition with a regular and ongoing requirement for drugs and medicines in excess of £32 per month, are not required to pay more than £32 in any month for their drugs and medicines. They pay that amount to the pharmacist who claims the balance from the GMS (Payments) Board.
Medical Card Scheme — Any person, who is deemed by the chief executive officer of a health board to be eligible for a medical card continues to receive all drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances without charge as heretofore. Over 1.2 million people (almost 35 per cent of the population) are covered in this way.
Long Term Illness Scheme — Persons suffering from a specified long term illness obtain, without charge, drugs and medicines for the treatment of their condition.
I will be closely monitoring the operation of all drugs schemes to ensure that particular hardship is not caused to any individual or family. In this regard, I would stress that the chief executive officer of a health board is empowered to grant a medical card on gounds of hardship.