HARDSHIP SCHEME

The hardship scheme covers medical card holders who require medication or items that are not covered under the medical card schemes. Items supplied include certain mineral and nutritional deficiency products, skin creams, cardiac drugs etc. itmes not covered include:

• Over the counter medicines advertised to the public
• Simple emollients where suitable alternatives are available under the GMS
• Vitamins and certain dressings

The application is assessed by your local health centre who consider both the financial circumstances of the individual and the requirement for the item to be supplied.

LONG TERM ILLNESS

This scheme entitles individuals to obtain medicines and appliances free of charge irrespective of means. It applies only to persons suffering form any of the following diseases or disabilities:

·         Mental Handicap

·         Spina Bifida

·         Epilepsy

·         Multiple Sclerosis

·         Parkinsonism

·         Mental Illness (persons under 16 only)

·         Hydrocephalus

·         Diabetes mellitus

·         Muscular Dystrophies

·         Cerebral Palsy

·         Phenylketonuria

·         Haemophilia

·         Diabetes Insipidus

·         Acute Leukaemia

·         Cystic Fibrosis

HIGH TECH MEDICATION

It involves the supply of medication which normally is supplied in the hospital setting to be dispensed from the pharmacy. A high tech prescription is usually issued by the consultant and given to the patient to bring to their pharmacy for dispensing. A lot of the infertility drugs are now covered under the High Tech Scheme, and so these items require a High Tech form from the consultant.

DRUG PAYMENT SCHEME

All Irish residents who do not have a medical card should apply for a drug payment (DPS) card. From 1st January 2010 under the scheme a family pays no more than €120 per month for prescribed medicines and appliances listed under the scheme. It covers:

·         The applicant

·         His/her spouse

·         Dependants under 18

·         Dependants between 18-23 who are in full time education

·         A dependant with a physical or mental disability or illness  who cannot maintain themselves fully, who is ordinarily resident in the family home and who does not hold a current medical card.

Patients on the LTI scheme who’s medication is not covered under that scheme should also apply.

Application forms can be collected from any pharmacy or local community care centre.

DENTAL SERVICES

The HSE provide Dental Services to children under 6 and children attending primary school, to medical card holders and to EU residents for emergency treatment. Some services are provided by dentists employed by the HSE and some by private dentists.

FOR CHILDREN

Children attending primary school are screened in 2^nd, 4^th and 6^th class and are referred for treatment if necessary to the local dental clinic. Emergency services are also available to all school going children

FOR MEDICAL CARD HOLDERS

Medical card holders can get a list of participating private dental practitioners from their local health office. Once accepted by the dentist you must bring your medical card when attending your first visit.

TAX RELIEF ON DENTAL SERVICES

If you do not have a medical card and have to pay for dental services form a private

Practitioner, you may claim tax relief for certain specialised dental treatments by completing a MED 2 form available from the Tax Office.

To learn more about dental services in your area you can contact the HSE infoline 1850 24 1850.

DRUG REFUND SCHEME

If a patient/family spend over €100 in a month they can claim back the excess by completing one of these forms available from your local community care centre.

TAX RELIEF ON MEDICINES

The cost of most prescribed medication can be claimed back against your tax. At the end of the year your pharmacist can print you out a copy of all medication dispensed that year. Your yearly print out, in combination with a completed MED 1 form should be brought to your local tax office for processing. A copy of the MED 1 form can be collected from your pharmacy. Other medical expenses which can attract tax relief include Chiropody, Podiatry, Physiotherapy services prescribed by a doctor, specialised dental treatment, hearing aids and gluten free products for Coeliacs to mention a few. From more information contact your local tax office or visit www.revenue.ie. 

EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC)

This card entitles you to necessary healthcare while on a temporary stay in all the countries listed below. The card is not essential for access to healthcare in the UK as long as proof of residency in Ireland is available eg passport, drivers licence. An application form is available from your local health centre. You can also rec