Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 January 2014
307. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the level of financial support available for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who suffers from Crohn's disease, who no longer has a medical card or general practitioner card, who is not eligible for the long-term illness card as Crohn's disease is not one of the illnesses covered by the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1913/14]
View answerUnder 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.
