The 140,000 beneficiaries of the Solidarity Supplement with the Elderly (CSI) will now have free access to prescription medications, a measure that will cost 10.4 million euros and will be approved on Thursday by the Council of Ministers.
According to a government source, who confirmed the information disseminated by Correio da Manhã, this measure represents the doubling of the reimbursement of prescription medications dispensed to elderly CSI beneficiaries.
This is a joint measure by the Ministry of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security and the Ministry of Health that is framed in the “need to adopt policies that safeguard older people, especially those who are in a situation of greater vulnerability, through its protection and promotion of aging with dignity.”
CSI is monthly support paid in cash to older people living in poverty. Citizens over 66 years of age and with annual income less than or equal to 6,608 euros are eligible. In the case of a couple, this income must be less than or equal to 11,564 euros.
As an example, the Government indicates that, for a package of Rozor, indicated to reduce cholesterol levels, the user currently pays 11.64 euros, including the current 50% contribution from the State. With 100% reimbursement, the medicine will be free for seniors.
Another example highlighted by the Government is the anticoagulant Xarelto, also widely prescribed to older people, whose current cost for the user is 5.14 euros.
The order will be published in the Diário da República in the coming days, the source added.
Source: Observadora
