Ray Burke
Ceist:106 Mr. R. Burke asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the review of the long term illness list, and in particular where systematic lupus erythematosus features in this study.
Written Answers. - Long-Term Illness Scheme.
The long term illness scheme covers 15 specified illnesses and there are no plans at present to extend the scheme to include any further conditions. The long term illness scheme, however, is only one of a number of schemes in operation which provide assistance towards the cost of prescribed drugs and medicines for persons with ongoing medical conditions.
Persons with conditions such as lupus erythematosus who in the opinion of the chief executive officer of the appropriate health board are unable to meet their medical expenses, without undue hardship, may be granted a medical card which will entitle them to the supply of all drugs and medicines without charge. Any other person with an ongoing medical condition, such as lupus erythematosus, which imposes a requirement for continuous medication, can benefit under the terms of the drug cost subsidisation scheme. This scheme limits the actual expenditure of authorised beneficiaries, on prescribed medicines, to £32 per month. This scheme is being availed of by many lupus sufferers.
These schemes, together with the drugs refund scheme, ensure that the treatment of all sectors of the population and of lupus sufferers in particular are being met in the most equitable way having regard to the total resources available.