Vol. 473 No. 4
167 Mr. Hilliard asked the Minister for Health his views on whether refunds of the cost of prescribed medicines should be paid by all health boards one month after receipt of claims in view of the fact that some health boards currently do not make refunds for at least three months. [1292/97]
Limerick East): Under the drugs refund scheme which covers expenditure by the whole family, any expenditure on prescribed medication above £90 for use in a calendar quarter is refunded by the health board. Health boards endeavour to make refunds as quickly as possible. However, there has been a problem with delays in processing claims in the North-Eastern Health Board area where until recently a manual system of payment was in operation. A new computer system to cater for the drug refund scheme was installed in the Cavan-Monaghan and Louth community care areas with effect from 1 December 1996. This system is currently being installed in the Meath area and it is expected that this will provide claimants with a more efficient service and that claims will now be processed within a four to six weeks period.
I would point out to the Deputy that there is a scheme available for people who incur ongoing expenses on medicines whereby they do not have to await refund payments. The drug cost subsidisation scheme was introduced to cater specifically for people who have a long-term medical condition with a regular and ongoing requirement for prescribed drugs and medicines. Persons who qualify for inclusion in this scheme pay £32 per month to their pharmacist in respect of all prescribed medicine dispensed during that month. In order to qualify for this scheme persons must be certified by a medical practitioner on an individual basis.
I am satisfied that appropriate and comprehensive support is being provided by the State through the existing range of community drug schemes particularly to those who incur significant expenses on drugs and medicines.
