Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
535. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of times the long-term illness scheme has been updated since the introduction under the Health Act 1970; the number of additional conditions that have been added to the scheme since it was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25590/21]
View answer536. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will consider adding Crohn's disease, a life-long and incurable illness to the long-term illness scheme; if the condition has been considered for addition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25591/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 535 and 536 together.
The Long Term Illness 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 scheme.
The conditions covered are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the scheme at this time. However, a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, will 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 €114 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.
Those 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.
Tax relief is also available on the cost of medical expenses. This includes medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%, and further information is available at www.revenue.ie.
