Written answers
Tuesday, 23 May 2023
Department of Health
Medicinal Products
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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780. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking in response to the increasing cost of thyroid medication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24349/23]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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This Government has put a significant focus on improving access to and the affordability of healthcare services, advancing substantial policy, legislation and investment to deliver expanded eligibility.
In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card under the General medical Services (GMS) Scheme is determined by the HSE. 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.
On 1 November 2020, the statutory prescription charges payable under the GMS Scheme were reduced to €1 per item for those over 70 (with a maximum cap of €10) and to €1.50 per item for those under 70 (with a maximum cap of €15). The weekly gross income thresholds for eligibility to a medical card for those aged 70 and over were also increased in November 2020.
The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) provides for the refund of the amount by which expenditure on approved prescribed medicines or medical and surgical appliances exceeds a named threshold in any calendar month. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland.
The DPS threshold was reduced twice in 2022:
- From €114 to €100 per month on 1 January 2022.
- From €100 to €80 per month on 1 March 2022.
In 2022, a range of other measures were delivered which also reduced medical cost. These include the abolition of public inpatient charges for children and the introduction of free contraception for women aged 17-25.
The significant investment in Budget 2023 will facilitate better access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for people at a time when the cost-of-living crisis is impacting on everyone. In 2023 this will mean:
- an expansion of GP care without charges to people earning no more than the median household income,
- all public in-patient hospital charges abolished since 17 April 2023,
- an extension of free contraception to 26-year-old women since 1 Jan 2023, and further extension to 27-30 years old women from 1 September 2023.
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%.
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