Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
1004. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health if he can confirm which department the issue of non-medical costs associated with caring for a child with a life-limiting illness falls into.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40430/23]
View answerThis Government has put a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services, advancing substantial policy, legislation and investment to deliver expanded eligibility.
In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme is determined by the HSE. In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness.
In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
On 1 November 2020, the statutory prescription charges payable under the GMS Scheme were reduced to €1 per item for those over 70 (with a maximum cap of €10) and to €1.50 per item for those under 70 (with a maximum cap of €15).
The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) provides for the refund of the amount by which expenditure on approved prescribed medicines or medical appliances exceeds a named threshold in any calendar month. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS threshold was reduced twice in 2022:
• From €114 to €100 per month on 1 January 2022.
• From €100 to €80 per month on 1 March 2022.
Therefore, currently, under the DPS, no family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
In 2022, a range of other measures were delivered which also reduced medical costs. These include the abolition of public inpatient hospital charges for children and the introduction of free contraception for women aged 17-25.
The significant investment in Budget 2023 has also facilitated better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, including an expansion of GP care without charges to children aged under 8 and to people earning no more than the median household income, the abolition of all public in-patient hospital charges for adults, and the extension of the free contraception scheme to include women aged 26-30.
These measures continue to create a health and social care service that offers affordable access to quality healthcare, thus reducing the overall financial burden associated with ongoing medical costs.
In addition to these measures introduced by the Department of Health, other Government departments, including the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, may have schemes or arrangements that assist families with the issue of non-medical costs associated with caring for a child with a life-limiting illness.
Finally, individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
