Free NHS prescription warning for five specific groups amid 'yearly review' update
The Government has responded to calls for an annual review of who is eligible for free NHS prescriptions, with people being urged to check if they qualify. Labour MP Charlotte Nichols questioned health ministers in Parliament to clarify if there is any ongoing action "to review the prescription charge medical exemption list annually".
The current NHS prescription charge in England stands at £9.90 per item, although several groups can receive their medication for free. In contrast, NHS prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Health minister Karin Smyth responded by stating: "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."
She then listed five key groups of people who are eligible for free prescriptions. Ms Smyth elaborated: "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."
This is the full list of individuals who can get their NHS prescriptions free of charge:
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 highlighted another method for those who do have to pay to keep their costs down. She spoke of a cost-effective option for frequent prescription users: "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.