Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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124. To ask the Minister for Health if treatments for haemochromatosis such as scheduled phlebotomies will be made available under the long-term illness scheme; the consideration that has been given to extending the scheme with a view to include such treatments; the financial supports available to persons with the condition to assist with the cost of treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38038/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under the Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. Medical procedures are not covered by the scheme.

Haemochromatosis is not a condition which is covered under the LTI and there are no plans to extend the list of conditions.

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 HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.

People who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.