Vol. 510 No. 1
118 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that osteoporosis or brittle bone disease is not included in the list of long-term illnesses which qualify for prescription charge relief under his Department's regulations; the proposals, if any, he has to include them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21932/99]
There are 15 specified illnesses covered under the long-term illness scheme and the scheme has not been extended since 1975 having regard to the fact that the needs of individuals with significant or ongoing medical expenses are met by other schemes which provide assistance towards the cost of prescribed drugs and medicines.
Most recently, a new drug payment scheme with a threshold of £42 per month per individual or family unit was introduced on 1 July 1999. The primary aim of the new drug payment scheme is to bring about important improvements over previous schemes and the scheme is designed to be more streamlined, user friendly and to significantly improve the cash flow situation for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Persons who are unable, without undue hardship, to arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependents may be entitled to a medical card. In determining eligibility, the local health board will have regard to the financial circumstances and medical needs of the applicant. In this regard, income guidelines are used by health boards to assist in determining a person's eligibility. These guidelines are not statutorily binding and even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines, the person may still be awarded a medical card if the chief executive officer considers that the person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. Medical cards may also be issued to individual family members on this basis. Eligibility for a medical card is solely a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board to decide.
I am satisfied that appropriate and comprehensive support is being provided by the State to those with ongoing medical expenses such as people with osteoporosis.
