Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
548. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce an automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons on the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41078/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long Term Illness Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended).
The conditions covered by the LTI are: 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.
Under the scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
To qualify for the LTI, a person must be ‘ordinarily resident’ in the Republic of Ireland. Applications are made directly to the HSE by completing the Long Term Illness Scheme application form.
I wish to advise the Deputy that under the Health Act 1970, eligibility for a medical card is based primarily on means. The Act does not provide for automatic eligibility based on having a particular disease or illness.
