Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 February 2012
499 Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Health the person responsible for deciding which illnesses come under long-term illness benefit scheme; the scope there is for making additions to that list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6479/12]
View answerThe Minister for Health may prescribe conditions for the purposes of the Long Term Illness Scheme. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €132 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 consultation.
