Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2021
633. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if he will review the existing models of care for coeliac patients to drive efficiencies in their level of care and support a new pilot voucher scheme or pre-loaded payment card as a way of helping patients to access gluten-free staples from local supermarkets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47831/21]
View answerThe 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.
Gluten-free products were removed from the list of GMS reimbursable items, with a number of other products, in September 2012. These products were, by this time, more widely available and they tend to be significantly cheaper than products sold through community pharmacies. There are no plans to reinstate these products on the list of reimbursable items under the GMS and other community drug schemes.
A proposal for a pilot voucher or pre-loaded payment card scheme to assist coeliac patients access gluten-free products has not been considered by the Department and no request for funding for such a proposal has been received from the Health Service Executive. However, coeliac patients may claim tax relief on medical expenses incurred on gluten-free products manufactured specifically for coeliacs.
