Róisín Shortall
Question:534. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the addition of chronic pain syndrome to the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26654/14]
View answerTuesday, 24 June 2014
Questions (534, 588, 626, 631)
Brendan Griffin
Question:588. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the number of lupus sufferers here; if lupus will be recognised on the long-term illness scheme and in medical card eligibility consideration in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26956/14]
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Catherine Murphy
Question:626. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health he has considered adding Crohn's disease and its variants to the long-term illness scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the extreme debilitating nature of the illness which can present tremendous difficulties to a patient in trying to achieve a normal standard of living; if he will also consider the condition for inclusion on the list of medical conditions to be assessed as being eligible for discretionary medical cards under the new guidelines due to be issued soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27170/14]
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Seamus Kirk
Question:631. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand the long-term illness programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27193/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 534, 588, 626 and 631 together.
There are no official statistics on the number of persons diagnosed with the condition Lupus in Ireland. However, public hospital in-patient statistical data shows that there were 473 cases of patients admitted to public hospitals with a diagnosis of Lupus in 2012.
The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered under the LTI 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 HSE 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. The Government has decided to develop a new policy framework of eligibility for health services to take account of medical conditions. The HSE has established an expert panel to examine the range of conditions that should be considered as part of this process and has been asked to make an early report to the Minister for Health.