Vol. 421 No. 5
59 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he has reviewed the terms of the long term illness card, in order to extend the number of illnesses for which full drug cover is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The long term illness scheme covers 15 specified illnesses and there are no plans to extend the scheme to include any further conditions.
The long term illness scheme, however, is only one of a number of schemes in operation which provide assistance towards the cost of prescribed drugs and medicines for persons with ongoing medical conditions.
Persons with long term chronic conditions who in the opinion of the Chief Executive Officer of the appropriate health board are unable to meet their medical expenses, without undue hardship, may be granted a medical card which will entitle them to the supply of all drugs and medicines without charge.
Any other person with an ongoing medical condition, which imposes a requirement for continuous medication, can benefit under the terms of the Drug Cost Subsidisation Scheme. This scheme limits the actual expenditure of authorised beneficiaries, on prescribed medicines, to £32 per month. This scheme is being availed of by over 20,000 persons and the take-up in the scheme emphasises the benefits of the scheme for persons with a long term drug requirement.
