Urgent review of Long Term Illness scheme needed

A local councillor has called on the government to conduct an urgent review of the Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme as a matter of priority.

Independent Ireland’s Shane P. O’Reilly wants the reevaluated scheme to include many conditions not currently listed.

The LTI Scheme, at present, provides free access to drugs, medicines, and medical/surgical appliances for individuals with certain long-term medical conditions.

The scheme, which falls under the same remit as the discretionary medical cards – The Health Act 1970, is based on the specific disease or disability, not on income.

Qualifying illnesses/conditions include: Acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.

“It’s a way to reduce the financial burden on individuals and families with ongoing healthcare costs,” Cllr O’Reilly told the June monthly meeting of Cavan County Council.

He said there is no reason why some illnesses are currently on the list and others are not.For instance he said that rheumatoid arthritis is not covered. Similarly heart disease, diabetes and depression. If the person has a medical card, these would be covered, but not under the LTI scheme.Cllr O’Reilly spoke openly about his own health issues regarding Psoriasis. “I’m not looking for a free ride, neither is anybody else. But we’re looking for equality.”

He also wants the scheme expanded to cover a plethora of other often overlooked ailments, such as Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and endomitriosis.

His motion got support from Fianna Fáil’s Patricia Walsh and her colleague Áine Smith, both of whom have in the past raised the need for the government to do more to support women’s health in Ireland.

Cllr Smith said that some women have had to “fight for years” to have their specific ailment recognised. With a female Minister for Health in Jennifer Carroll MacNeill currently in office, she hoped that would change.

“There are a lot of people suffering in silence,” said Cllr Smith.Outgoing Cathaoirleach TP O’Reilly also supported the motion.