Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Long-Term Illness Scheme.

Billy Timmins

Question:

529 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason children suffering from artro gryphosis are not included in the long-term illness category to qualify them for a medical card; if they can be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15413/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

People suffering from any of the following conditions may obtain drugs and medicines without charge for the treatment of that condition under the long-term illness scheme, LTI: mental handicap, mental illness – for people under 16, phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, Parkinsonism and acute leukaemia. No conditions have been added since 1975. The LTI does not provide free GP or hospital care.

There are no plans to extend the LTI to include arthrogryposis at this stage. There are a range of other schemes which provide assistance towards the cost of approved drugs and medicines for individuals with significant ongoing medical expenses.

People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. Eligibility for a medical card is solely a matter for the chief executive officer of the health board. In determining eligibility, the chief executive officer has regard to the applicant's financial circumstances. Health boards use income guidelines to assist in determining eligibility. However, where a person's income exceeds the guidelines, a medical card may be awarded if the chief executive officer considers that the person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. Medical cards may also be issued to individual family members on this basis.

Non-medical card holders, and people with conditions not covered under the LTI, can use the drugs payment scheme. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €70 per calendar month towards the cost of all approved prescribed medicines.