Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2023
741. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if financial assistance is available to medical card holders who require ArtAssist treatment in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15424/23]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions under the community schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.
The HSE Health Technology Assessment Group (HTAG) reviewed the evidence for the effectiveness of the ArtAssist device for intermittent pneumatic compression in January 2018. The HTAG found that there was not sufficient evidence of effectiveness to recommend providing reimbursement support for the device.
However, the HTAG have previously stated that if fresh evidence for effectiveness was received, it would be reviewed. Additional evidence has not been presented, and therefore, the HSE does not provide reimbursement support for the use of this product.
