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Long-Term Illness Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 September 2011

Thursday, 22 September 2011

Ceisteanna (241, 242, 243)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

241 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason the condition myasthenia gravis is not currently recognised by the Health Service Executive in relation to the long-term illness scheme; his plans to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25401/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

244 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will add myasthenia gravis to the long-term illness scheme; if not, the reason for same; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25430/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 244 together.

Myasthenia Gravis is not one of the conditions prescribed by the Minister for Health for the purposes of the Long Term Illness Scheme. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the scheme. However, the terms of the scheme will be reviewed in the context of the Government's proposals for Universal Health Insurance and free GP care at the point of delivery.

Under the Drug Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

242 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he intends to include inflammatory bowel disease and its variants on the long-term illness scheme; if not, the reason for same; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25425/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme. However, the terms of the scheme will be reviewed in the context of the Government's proposals for Universal Health Insurance and free GP care at the point of delivery.

Under the Drug Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.

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