David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 163: To ask the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 263 of 12 October 2010, when the qualifying illnesses for the long-term illness scheme was last revised; the basis under which different illnesses are selected for eligibility under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40997/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Long Term Illness Scheme arose from a non-statutory scheme, established administratively in 1967, for the free supply of certain products for the treatment of diabetes to persons who did not hold a medical card under the Health Act 1947. The scheme was introduced on a statutory basis in 1971 under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970. It provides that the HSE may make arrangements for the supply without charge of drugs, medicines or medical and surgical appliances to persons suffering from a prescribed disease or disability of a permanent or long-term nature.

In 1971 the following conditions were prescribed for the purposes of section 59(3) of the Act: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. The list was extended in 1973 to include conditions arising from the use of the drug thalidomide. Parkinsonism, acute leukaemia, muscular dystrophies and multiple sclerosis were added to the list of prescribed illnesses in 1975. No further conditions have been added since 1975.

The illnesses covered by the Scheme were those identified at the time as being of a long-term nature where the supply without charge of drugs, medicines or medical and surgical appliances was considered warranted for patients with these illnesses or conditions. There are no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.

Under the Drugs Payment Scheme no individual or family pays more than €120 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.