Misunderstandings regarding the new drug-payment scheme continue among members of the public.

Under the new scheme, which replaces the Drugs Refund Scheme and the Drugs Cost Subsidisation Scheme (DCSS), payment is only required in months when medication is needed.

For example, a family or individual needing medication during the flu season pays only the first £42 (€53) in each of those months.

Likewise, persons requiring medication on an ongoing basis must pay the first £42 for every month that they require medication. For example, a person with a heart condition who must take medication every day will pay for the first £42 of medicine each month. There are no holidays from payment if medication purchases are required monthly.

Under the former DCSS, the minimum payment (then £32) was required every month to remain eligible for the scheme even if medications were not needed in that month. The new drug payment scheme does not apply to medical card holders.