Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2009
184 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to have a chronic long term illness (details supplied) recognised under the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8492/09]
View answerUnder the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI).
The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, Parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.
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. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.
In addition, non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.
