Q.  I am not eligible for a medical card. Is there any other assistance available to help with the cost of medication?

07.01.08

The Drugs Payment Scheme covers some of the cost of prescription drugs. It guarantees that an individual or family will not have to pay more than €90 in any calendar month. It is not means-tested and it covers the nominated adult, spouse or partner, and children under 18 years or under 23 if in full-time education. A dependant with a physical or mental disability or illness living in the household who does not have a Medical Card and who is unable to fully maintain themselves, may be included in the family expenditure regardless of age.

You may register for the scheme by completing a form available from pharmacies or from the HSE Community Care Office in Ballybofey. A plastic swipe card will issue for each person named on the registration form. You should present this card whenever you are having prescriptions filled.

Your application for a new card can take up to four weeks to process. If you incur any expenses during this period, you should retain your receipts until you receive your card and forward them to the Drugs Payments Scheme Division in Ballybofey. If you pay tax, you can also claim tax relief on money that you spend on prescribed drugs and medicines for yourself or for another person. This relief can be claimed on other medical expenses also.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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