Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the 50 cent charge on all prescription items for medical card holders; the position regarding the €10 monthly limit per household on this charge; the position when a household's total prescription charges exceed this limit; if the €10 limit is a cut-off point, beyond which the family are no longer charged, or if any charges above €10 still have to be refunded and claimed back; if it is the responsibility of the customer or the pharmacist to claim back these charges; the process for claiming back these charges; the length of time it should take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44548/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Since 1st October 2010, medical card holders are required to pay a 50c charge for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists. The charges are subject to a cap of €10 per month for each person or family.

Should a person or family pay more than €10, the HSE will issue refunds automatically on a quarterly basis based on the information received from the dispensing pharmacy. However, if a person considers that they have not received the refund due to them there is a refund claim form available through the HSE and an online version of the form is available on www.medicalcard.ie or www.hse.ie.

In some cases family members may not have the same medical card number, e.g. where more than one doctor is used by the family. It is important for all of the family members to be grouped together so that any prescription charge paid by them goes towards reaching the maximum total monthly charge payable. Patients can check online that all members of their family are grouped together or contact the HSE directly at 1800-252-919. If necessary, patients can set their family up as a family group on www.medicalcard.ie and print off a certificate (family certificate) to give to their pharmacists. Patients can also contact their Local Health Office or call 1890-252-919 to provide their family details and a certificate will be posted out.