Gerry Reynolds
Question:41 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Health and Children the drugs removed from the current drugs refund scheme which were covered in the previous scheme; and the reason for each such removal. [18298/99]
Written Answers. - Drugs Refund Scheme.
Liz McManus
Question:46 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by the Irish Kidney Association and other similar organisations regarding the hardship being caused by the recent changes introduced in the drugs refund scheme arising from the increase in the monthly threshold for refunds and the withdrawal of a number of key drugs and treatments; if he will review the changes and ensure that all essential items are re-listed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18231/99]
Alan Shatter
Question:104 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will extend the current drug subsidy scheme to apply to medicines included in the scheme prior to the commencement of the present scheme; and his views on whether the exclusions effected in the present scheme are causing hardship. [18406/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 46 and 104 together.
The drug cost subsidisation and drug refund schemes were merged into one new drug payment scheme with a threshold of £42 per month per family unit on 1 July. This scheme represents the best elements of the previous schemes. For example, the drug payment scheme is more user friendly than the drug refund scheme and is designed to improve the cash flow situation for families. Unlike the drug cost subsidisation scheme, there are no qualifying criteria for the new scheme. Payment thresholds for the drug refund scheme and the drug cost subsidisation scheme were £90 per quarter and £32 per month respectively. With regard to the increase in the threshold for the new scheme, I would point out that there had been no increases in the previous thresholds since 1991.
A common list of reimbursable medicines was introduced by the GMS scheme and the new drug payment scheme to ensure equity in relation to the range of medicines paid for by the State under both schemes. Previously, medicines which were not available to medical card holders under the general medical services scheme – generally over the counter items such as cough bottles, vitamins etc. were reimbursable under the drug cost subsidisation and drug refund schemes.
To facilitate a more equitable system, the list of drugs, medicines and appliances available to GMS patients as specified in the current GMS code book, including all updates, now forms the common list of items for both the GMS and the new drugs payment scheme. Products available on the common list must meet a set of criteria which include requirements on the uses for and licensing of medicines and also that the products should not be advertised or promoted to the public. It is not possible in this forum to go into detail about all drugs but if there is an inquiry about a particular drug I would be happy to forward the Deputy specific information on why it is no longer reimbursable.
I am satisfied that the common list provides a comprehensive range of the most modern therapies and I would add that this common list is subject to ongoing review and is updated on a monthly basis.