Written answers
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Department of Health and Children
Long-term Illness Scheme
12:00 pm
Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason auto-immune Crohn's disease is not on the long term illness list of the Health Act 1970 particularly in view of the increase in incidence in younger people; the review procedure for inclusion or exclusion of illnesses on the list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27324/09]
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme, which was introduced on a statutory basis in 1971. Under the Drugs Payment Scheme, which was introduced in 1999, no individual or family unit pays more than €100 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, 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.
Elaine XXXXX
Posted on 13 Jul 2009 6:03 pm (Report this comment)
This is actually a joke! 1971 was the last time that long Term Ilness scheme was updated. Are you aware Minister Harney that this condition is not cureable and all they can do is try you on different types of medication the whole time and make it bareable. Thats not to say that they even work. Then its surgery after surgery.It involves a lot of Hospitalization with surgerys that can be never ending! I really think that this Ilness should be on the Long Term Ilness scheme it involves so much different types of drugs and hospital stays and surgerys. I have not been able to hold a job due to my condition with the time I miss due to been in Hospital and trying to follow up on appointments. I also do not qualify for a medical card and will keep ending up in Hospital should I keep worrying with the Stress of having Hospital bills hanging over me. The drugs payment scheme is managable so you say! Look into the condition and see the amount of surgerys that are done why is this not on the scheme its actually a discrace!