Vol. 527 No. 5
70 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will add Hungtinton's disease to the list of conditions eligible for long-term illness status in view of the fact this disease was not known when the list was drawn up and is now affecting approximately 400 people here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28751/00]
The long-term illness scheme entitles persons to free drugs and medicines which are prescribed in respect of a specific schedule of illnesses. The scheme has not been extended since 1975 and there are no plans to extend it to include Hungtinton's disease, having regard to the other schemes available to help people with the cost of drugs and medicines.
People who are unable without undue hardship to arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. Eligibility for a medical card is solely a matter for the chief executive office of the relevant health board to decide. In determining eligibility for a medical care, the chief executive officer has regard to the financial circumstances of the applicant. Income guidelines are used by health boards to assist in determining a person's eligibility. Even though a person's income exceeds the guidelines the person may still be awarded a medical card if the chief executive officer considers the person's medical needs or other circumstances would justify this. Medical cards may also be issued to individual family members on this basis.
