Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2015
39. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health his views on providing sufficient financial support to sufferers of fibromyalgia who, due to the nature of the condition, often incur significant costs for their treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27665/15]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Health Acts, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the HSE, unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.
The Government recognises that the health service needs to be responsive to the circumstances of people with significant medical needs. Following publication of the Report of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility and the Medical Card Process Review in November 2014, the Minister for Health and I announced a series of measures to enhance the operation of the medical card scheme and make it more sensitive to people’s needs, especially where serious illness is involved. Where deemed appropriate in particular circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card even though an applicant's means exceed the prescribed threshold. Where a person does not qualify for a medical card, they may be provided with a GP Visit Card, appropriate therapy or other community supports or drugs.
In addition, is important to note that all Irish residents are eligible to register for the Drug Payment Scheme, under which 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.
