This measure will cost €10.4 million and was approved this week by the Council of Ministers.

The 140 thousand beneficiaries of the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI) will now have free access to medicines subject to medical prescription. The measure approved this week by the Council of Ministers will cost €10.4 million.

According to a Government source, who confirmed the information released by Correio da Manhã, this measure represents a duplication of reimbursements for medicines subject to medical prescription dispensed to elderly beneficiaries of the CSI.

This joint measure, by the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity, and Social Security, and the Ministry of Health, is part of the need to adopt policies that protect and promote the well-being of elderly individuals, particularly those in more vulnerable situations, ensuring they age with dignity.

CSI is a monthly cash support provided to elderly individuals living in poverty. Citizens who are 66 years old or older and have an annual income of €6,608 or less are eligible. For a couple, this income must be less than or equal to €11,564.

For instance, the government mentions that a box of Rozor, designed to lower cholesterol levels, costs €11.64 to the user, with the current 50% subsidy from the state included. With 100% reimbursement, the medicine will be free for the elderly.

Another example the government highlights is the blood thinner Xarelto, commonly prescribed to older individuals, which currently costs the user €5.14.

LUSA