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Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 November 2013

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Questions (210, 213)

Denis Naughten

Question:

210. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will review the long-term illness scheme to include additional chronic illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49743/13]

View answer

Terence Flanagan

Question:

213. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to ensure that schemes like the long-term illness scheme and drugs payment scheme are understood and made available to persons who might not be entitled to a medical card or GP visit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49752/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 213 together.

Persons suffering from prescribed conditions, who are not already medical card holders, can get free drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances for the treatment of that condition under the Long Term Illness Scheme. 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 GP consultations.

Information on the Drug Payment Scheme and the Long Term Illness Scheme is available on the HSE website at the following link: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes.

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