Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there have been changes made in the operation of the long-term illness scheme; if those who hold a long-term illness book are required to go to their general practitioners on a monthly basis for a prescription for the medication they require in relation to their long-term illness and to subsequently have this prescription filled by their pharmacist; her views on whether such a change would cost time and money to the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45490/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There have been no changes to the operation of the Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme. Under the scheme, people with one or more of a list of specified long-term illnesses are entitled to obtain, without charge, and irrespective of income, necessary medicines and/or appliances for the treatment of that illness.

Some people who are eligible for the Long-Term Illness Scheme also hold a medical card, which means that they are entitled to access all their medications free of charge rather than just those required for the treatment of the long-term illness. In these instances, patients are expected to use the most cost-efficient way to access their medication needs, i.e. on a GMS prescription. Medication obtained with a GMS prescription is reimbursed by the HSE at the ingredient cost plus a dispensing fee, whereas medication obtained with an LTI prescription is reimbursed at the ingredient cost plus a 50% retail markup.

A GMS prescription can be repeated for a period of three months. Medical card holders do not incur any cost by returning to the GP for a new prescription, if necessary, every three months. As GPs are paid an annual capitation fee for medical card patients, no additional cost is incurred by the HSE.

In the case of persons eligible under the LTI scheme who do not hold a medical card, any prescription by their GP remains valid for a maximum of six months.