FREE prescriptions help relieve some pressure on low-income Britons across the UK, with millions of people claiming them for vital medication. New state pension plans could see people lose the benefit, but who is at risk?
Prescription payments currently set people back £9.35 a month, following recent increases that took effect from April 1 this year. Not everyone has to fork over nearly £10 a month, however, as low-income Britons can claim free prescriptions. But incoming proposed changes to state pension could jeopardise their entitlement.
Groups eligible for free prescriptions include:
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People aged 60 or over
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People with a medical condition and valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
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Those with a MedEx and physical disability that prevents them from going out without help and
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Those requiring medication for an accepted disability with a valid war pension exemption certificate
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NHS inpatients