Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will classify myasthenia gravis as a long-term illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9287/08]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will order a review of the Health Service Executive guidelines for qualifying illnesses under the long-term illness scheme; her views on seeking the inclusion of myasthenia gravis in revised guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9589/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 215 together.

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 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.

Non-medical card holders and people whose illness is not covered by the LTI can use the Drug Payment Scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €90 per calendar month 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, non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.