Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019
334. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans or the plans of the HSE to restore allowances to a society (details supplied) that were cut during the austerity years; and his further plans to add coeliac disease to the long-term illness scheme [41674/19]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In September 2012, Gluten-free products were removed from the list of GMS reimbursable items, with a number of other products. These products were, by this time, more widely available and they tended to be significantly cheaper than products sold through community pharmacies.
There are no plans to reinstate these products on the list of reimbursable items.
In relation to the inclusion of Coeliac disease on the Long Term Illness Scheme, there are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the scheme at this time. However, the scheme will be included as part of a review of the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
For people who are not eligible for the LTI Scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €124 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
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.
People 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.
I also wish to advise you that Coeliac patients may claim tax relief on medical expenses incurred on gluten-free products manufactured specifically for coeliacs, further information is available at www.revenue.ie
