Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West Aindrias Moynihan has called for an examination of the Long Term Illness Scheme to review the conditions and treatments which are covered.
Deputy Moynihan said, “The Long Term Illness Scheme falls under the Health Act and has not seen any changes to its conditions since 1970. I believe a review of the current scheme would be beneficial and could address some of the perceived anomalies within it.
“There are new discoveries and advances in medicine every year, and the fact that this scheme hasn’t been reviewed in almost 50 years seems absurd. We should be examining new conditions which have emerged over that time, as well as improved treatments to ensure that we are getting the best value for money for patients and for the taxpayer.
“The scheme should reflect and cater for the needs of patients, but it should also explore new and more cost-effective treatments.
“The range of illnesses covered under the scheme should also be reviewed – to date asthma is still not covered as part of the scheme, while access for continuous glucose monitoring for diabetes is limited. Obviously, a review would not necessarily change these issues, I believe it would be in line with best practice to assess the scheme on a more regular basis”, concluded Deputy Moynihan.
