Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Ceisteanna (533, 537, 545, 557, 568)

Kevin Humphreys

Ceist:

533. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if he will consider adding Addison's disease to the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28945/13]

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

537. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the reason those with spinal cord injuries are not in receipt of the long term illness card, in view of the fact that those with diabetes are entitled to the card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28996/13]

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

545. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 436 of 11 June 2013 if he or officials in his Department have had discussions regarding plans to include Williams Syndrome on the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29050/13]

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

557. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the position regarding Lymphangioleiomyomatosis as a long term illness for the purposes of Health Service Executive benefits and associated schemes; the current supports/treatments and services available for persons diagnosed with the disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29189/13]

Seán Kyne

Ceist:

568. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if Addison's disease will be added to the list of illnesses on the long term illness scheme in view of the increase in the cost of essential medication to treat this life-long illness. [29282/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Alex White)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 533, 537, 545, 557 and 568 together.

The conditions covered by the Long Term Illness scheme are as follows: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; Parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of thalidomide. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness scheme.

Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €144 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 GP consultations.