Cost of medicines
Browne asked how the cost of medicines for families could be eased. Haughey outlined free medicines for medical-card holders and people with specified long-term conditions, and refunds or other assistance for many others.
asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of the great distress caused to families by the exorbitant cost of medicines; and if he has any proposals for the ending or easement of this situation.
Comment on this
Persons covered by medical cards obtain their prescribed medicines free of charge. Thirty-nine per cent of the population are covered by this scheme. Persons suffering from prescribed long-term diseases and disabilities obtain medicines for the treatment of these conditions free of charge.
The great majority of the remainder of the population are eligible for a refund when the cost of medicines used in a calendar month exceeds £5.00. The maximum monthly cost to such persons will not exceed £6.50.
Cover may be obtained under the Voluntary Health Insurance Home Scheme for abnormal medical expenses occurring outside hospital, including the cost of prescribed drugs and medicines, if the cost for a single person exceeds £35 or for a married couple £50 per year. These schemes have eliminated or reduced the burden of the cost of medicines and I am not aware of widespread distress. Health boards can, and do, consider individual instances where there may be hardship and they will continue to do so.
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