Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 593: To ask the Minister for Health the supports he is supplying to persons and families affected by genetic neuromuscular conditions; his views that every person with muscular dystrophy should be entitled to the medical card; if the long-term illness scheme will be extended to cover conditions such as myasthenia gravis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31436/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the first part of the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to outline the services and supports provided for people with neuromuscular conditions directly to the Deputy. Medical Cards The Health Act of 1970 provides the legal basis for awarding a medical card. The legislation requires the HSE to have regard to the person's overall financial situation. All persons seeking a medical card are assessed by the HSE as to their ability to arrange GP services without undue hardship. There are no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group of patients with specific medical conditions. However, the HSE does look beyond the applicant's financial situation and has regard to other matters they consider appropriate in assessing a person's individual circumstances for a medical card. This assessment can address individual circumstances, including an illness or medical circumstances that result in financial hardship, or the costs associated with the provision of medical treatment. 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. Long Term Illness Scheme Under this scheme patients with a prescribed disease or illness of a long-term nature are provided with medicines and medical and surgical appliances without charge.While people with muscular dystrophy are eligible for the Long Term Illness Scheme there are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.However, the terms of the scheme will be reviewed in the context of the Government's proposals for Universal Health Insurance and free GP care at the point of delivery.