Free prescriptions could be axed for millions of older people

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:

• People aged 60 or over

• People with a medical condition and valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)

• Those with a MedEx and physical disability that prevents them from going out without help and

• Those requiring medication for an accepted disability with a valid war pension exemption certificate

• NHS inpatients

Those claiming free prescriptions as they turn 60 are now at risk of losing their entitlement. The Department of Health has kept the age limit in place but has recently launched a consultation on raising it in line with pensions.

Should the plans get the green light, free prescription entitlement will shift from age 60 to 66 – this would have a direct impact on the roughly 2.4 million older people claiming on the NHS

Early estimates suggest the move would pay off for the health service – millions more paid prescriptions could raise an additional £300million more for the NHS by 2027 but the increased profit could come at a profound cost for the health of the UK’s ageing population.

Age UK, the country’s largest charity for older people, has railed against the prospect.

Jan Shortt, National Pensioners Convention general secretary, said raising the free prescription age would have a “massive negative effect” on their health. She added prescription charges “are not affordable” for those on a low income and without financial assistance.

The charity has launched the “Save Free Prescriptions” campaign to convince the Government of the benefit’s necessity.

The campaign aims to have ministers consider older people first before the consultation closes in two weeks.

For more information please click —> Save free prescriptions for 60-65s | Campaigns | Age UK