Check if you're eligible for free NHS prescriptions as government gives update on yearly review plan
The Government has responded to questions over whether it will introduce an annual review of free NHS prescriptions. Labour MP Charlotte Nichols raised the issue in Parliament, asking health ministers if there's any plan "to review the prescription charge medical exemption list annually".
Currently, the NHS prescription fee in England is £9.90 per item, but certain groups are exempt from this charge. This contrasts with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland where NHS prescriptions are free for all, reports Lancs Live.
Responding to the query, Health Minister Karin Smyth said: "There are no current plans to review the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate. Approximately 89 percent of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in the community in England, and there is a wide range of exemptions from prescription charges already in place."
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She then identified five main categories of individuals who qualify for free prescriptions. Ms Smyth added: "Eligibility depends on the patient's age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension. People on low incomes can apply for help with their health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme."
Here's the comprehensive rundown of who can claim free NHS prescriptions:
Are under 16
Are aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education
Are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
Are registered disabled and are unable to go out
Have a war pension exemption certificate
Are an NHS inpatient
Receive Income Support
Receive income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Receive income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Receive Universal Credit (UC) and their earnings during their last assessment period were £435 or less, or £935 or less if their UC includes an element for a child or they have limited capability for work
Own a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
Receive a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)
Have certain illnesses including cancer and epilepsy
Are aged 60 or over
The health minister also pointed out a savvy way for regular prescription users to save money, mentioning: "Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) are also available. PPCs allow people to claim as many prescriptions as they need for a set cost, with three-month and 12-month certificates available, and the 12-month PPC can be paid for in instalments."
These current charges for a PPC are:
3-month PPC - £32.05 - saves you money if you need more than three items over the three months
12-month PPC - £114.50 - saves you money if you need more than 11 items over the 12 months
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