Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2011
384 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to include spinal cord injury in the long-term illness scheme in recognition that sufferers require specialised equipment such as wheelchairs, mattresses, cushions and day to day medical items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6484/11]
View answer399 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to update the list of long-term illnesses eligible for a medical card for the first time in 30 years; if he will include long segment Hirschsprung disease as a long-term illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6560/11]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 399 together.
There are no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme.
Under the Drugs Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
In addition, 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.
