This subject has just become very topical again due to a change in the way fertility drugs are prescribed - previously they came under the Drug Payment Scheme but now they are being prescribed as High-tech Medicines. The main difference is that there is a limit on how many lots of drugs will be covered under this new scheme, which would mean that patients would have to pay for their own drugs if they had more than 3 treatment cycles;however, there is some discretion available apparently. NISIG are liaising with the HSE about this and hopefully there will be a positive outcome - don't panic yet!
Ger
Ger,
i am absolutely horrified by this proposal. Not only does the government refuse to fund IVF cycles, and cut the % of the cost of these we can claim back in tax but now they may not even pay for the drugs. Please do keep us all posted about the outcome of these discussions and let us know if there is anything we can do to ensure that this small contribution is protected.
all the best
Sparky
Is there any update on this, Ger? Thank goodness NISIG are on to it and I really hope there is a positive outcome. I wonder how they will administer it ... will it be retrospective (says she, thinking of 12 medicated cycles between IUI and IVF in the past!). Also I wonder will medicated IUI's count towards the three cycles, either Clomid or stims. I could see people electing to go straight for IVF if that were the case.
It was Helen who was informing me on this one, I must contact her and see if there are any developments. God knows people have enough to contend with without new things to worry about.
ger
Hi,
I was wondering have there been any developments with regards to this issue, I have not been able to find much in the way of updates on this?
xx
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