Writing in her column for Tameside Reporter earlier this week, Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, Angela Rayner, said NHS prescription costs are already a “huge burden” for people on low incomes. She added lots of people are worried about the Department for Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) proposals to raise the age people qualify for free prescriptions in line with the state pension age of 66.
A spokesperson for the DHSC said it still hasn’t come to a decision but most people receive free prescriptions already.
“We recognise the pressures people are facing with the rising cost of living and we are taking action to support households, including freezing prescription charges for the first time in 12 years.
“Thanks to our extensive arrangements to help people afford NHS prescription charges, 89 percent of prescriptions in England are already provided free of charge.”
People receive free prescriptions if they have a long term health condition like cancer or epilepsy.
READ MORE: Asda launches its rewards scheme to help people make savings
6 Meanwhile, those who don’t qualify for free prescriptions could save money by buying a Pre-Payment Certificate (PPC) no matter what their income.
- Two prescriptions per month – save £116.30 with a 12-month PPC
- Three prescriptions per month – save £228.50 with a 12-month PPC
- Four prescriptions per month – save £340.70 with a 12-month PPC.
For all the latest Business News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
