Joan Collins
Ceist:634. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if a condition will be included in the review of the long-term illness scheme (details supplied). [30946/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 15 July 2014
Ceisteanna (634, 661)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:661. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health if a patient being required to take warfarin on a lifetime basis, due to the seriousness of his or her medical condition, will be included in the long-term illness qualifying criteria for the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31178/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 634 and 661 together.
The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme.
The conditions covered by the LTI 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 LTI 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.
Under the provisions of the Health Acts, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive (HSE), unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.
Question No. 635 answered with Question No. 623.