Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 March 2023
136. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is considering extending the treatment benefit scheme to cover the cost of medical microblading for eyebrow replacement in those suffering hair loss due to illness, cancer treatment or alopecia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15738/23]
View answerIn general, medical or health related benefits fall within the remit of the Department of Health and the HSE. However, my Department administers the Treatment Benefit scheme which provides certain dental, optical, and medical appliances benefits to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of PRSI contributions. These treatments are also available to their dependent spouse or partner if applicable.
As part of Budget 2022, I announced an expansion to the range of services available under the medical appliances strand of the scheme. A new grant was provided from 28 May 2022 towards the cost of wigs and hairpieces for people who suffer from hair loss due to disease.
The new grant is subject to medical eligibility requirements in addition to the general eligibility requirements for Treatment Benefit. The qualifying medical conditions and treatments are outlined in Social Welfare (Consolidated Claims, Payments and Control) (Amendment) (No.7) (Treatment Benefit) Regulations 2022 - S.I. No. 259 of 2022.
The treatments covered under this grant include non-surgical hair replacement relating to hair loss on the scalp area e.g. wigs or hair pieces. The grant does not cover micro-blading.
While I have no plans to expand the scheme further at this time, my Department keeps schemes under regular review to make sure they meet their objectives. Any changes to the current system would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
