Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 216: To ask the Minister for Health if he will recognise systemic lupus erythematosus as a long term illness and include it on the long term illness scheme; and if he will examine this matter [33848/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme.

Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €132 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme 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 consultation.