Seán Haughey
Ceist:219 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will class Addison's disease as a long-term illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20401/97]
Vol. 483 No. 3
219 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will class Addison's disease as a long-term illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20401/97]
The long-term illness scheme entitles persons to free drugs and medicines which are prescribed in respect of a specific schedule of illnesses. The long-term illness scheme has not been extended since 1975 and there are no plans to change the scheme or to expand the number of illnesses covered by the scheme, having regard to the fact that the needs of individuals with significant or ongoing medical expenses are met by a range of other schemes which provide assistance towards the cost of prescribed drugs and medicines.
The drug cost subsidisation scheme caters for people who do not have a medical card or a long-term illness book and are certified as having a medical condition with a regular and on-going requirement for prescribed drugs and medicines.