Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1342. To ask the Minister for Health if he will make hormone replacement therapy, HRT, medication free for persons going through menopause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13055/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There are no plans to make the provision of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications free of charge. However, as announced in Budget 2023, the VAT rate for non-oral forms of HRT was reduced to zero from 1 January 2023.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

Some HRT medications are available to medical card holders under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme, subject to payment of the statutory prescription charge.

These same HRT medications are also available under the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS). The DPS ensures that no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.

In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.

In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.

Finally, individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.