Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 211: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will add Huntington's Chorea to the list of long-term illnesses particularly as it used to be classified as Parkinson's disease until 1993 when it was identified as a separate condition and Parkinson's is included on the list of long-term illnesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30714/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI). The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.

Products which are necessary for the management of the specified illness are available to LTI patients. Other products are available according to the patient's eligibility.

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 a range of measures including the household income guidelines, particular circumstances and the medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. In addition people over the age of 70 years have an automatic entitlement to a medical card regardless of income. Application should be made to the local area office of the HSE.

In November 2004, I introduced a new graduated benefit — the GP Visit Card to extend free GP care and treatment to individuals and families on moderate incomes.

In June 2005, I simplified the means test for both medical and GP visit cards. It is now based on an applicant's and spouse's income after income tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, childcare and travel to work. In 2005 the income guidelines for medical cards were increased by a cumulative 29 per cent. The income assessment guidelines used for the GP visit card are 50% higher than those used for medical cards. These improvements have made the assessment process much fairer and ensure that those on low to moderate incomes can qualify for free GP care.

Non-medical card holders can use the Drug Payment Scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €85 per calendar month, or approximately €20 per week, towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

In addition, the deputy will be aware that non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.