Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health the services available to young self employed persons, who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and unable to work anymore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8212/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I understand from the Deputy that this question relates to an application to have the cost of medication, prescribed to a person with Alzheimer's disease, covered under the Long Term Illness Scheme.

I wish to advise that Alzheimer's disease is not one of the conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme and there are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the scheme.

Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €144 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.