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Long Term Illness Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 March 2013

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Questions (195)

Denis Naughten

Question:

195. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will include haemochromatosis and hemoglobin santa clara on the long-term illness scheme; if both conditions will be considered for a statutory general practitioner only card as part of the forthcoming legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13193/13]

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Written answers

There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme.

Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €144 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.

The Government's Programme for Government committed it to major reforms of the manner in which health services are delivered. As part of the reform programme, Universal Primary Care is to be introduced on a phased basis during its term of office. Primary legislation is being prepared to give effect to this commitment. The wording of this legislation, which will allow the Minister for Health to make regulations to extend access to GP services without fees to persons with prescribed illnesses, is currently being drafted by the Office of the Attorney General and the Department. As the legislation is still being drafted, I am not in a position to give a definite date for its publication. Details of an implementation timeframe, illnesses to be covered etc. and application details will be announced in due course.

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