asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the current delay in processing claims under the scheme for assistance towards the cost of prescribed medicines; and if he has any plans to improve it and ensure a speedier processing of claims.
Written Answers. - Prescribed Medicines.
235.
I have recently reviewed the operation of the community drugs schemes for which my Department are responsible.
As a result of this review I intend transferring the processing of claims under the drugs refund scheme, to which the Deputy is referring, from the health boards to the General Medical Services (Payments) Board. This should ensure the speedier processing of claims under the existing drug refund schemes.
The Deputy will be aware that I also intend to introduce a new drug cost subsidisation scheme for persons with limited eligibility who have a regular and continuous requirement for medication due to a long-term medical condition not covered under the long-term illness scheme. The patient will pay his pharmacist the normal retail cost of his prescribed medication up to £28 per month. The pharmacist will recoup the balance of the cost in excess of £28 from the GMS (Payments) Board. Negotiations with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union on the terms of their involvement in the proposed scheme are on the point of completion. The necessary administrative and other arrangements are being put in place to facilitate the introduction of the scheme at an early date.