The Government last year consulted on whether to raise the age at which people receive free prescriptions from 60 to the state pension age of 66. Whether the change goes ahead or not, millions of people are already exempt from paying NHS prescription charges.
It’s never been more important for people to check they are receiving all the financial help they are entitled to.
NHS prescriptions cost £9.35 per item in England but are currently free for anyone over 60-years-old.
While proposals to charge the over 60s for their prescriptions are still being considered, millions of Britons are eligible for free prescriptions because they are suffering from certain medical conditions or on a low income.
In total 15 groups of Britons are exempt from paying for their prescription charges, while everyone else could save by buying a Prepayment Certificate (PPC).
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Meanwhile, prescription charges are also waived for people on certain benefits like Universal Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance if they earn less than a certain amount.
When it comes to Universal Credit claimants it also depends on whether the claimant has responsibility for one or more children.
Typically, applicants who earned £435 or less, or £935 if they have responsibility for a child, should be entitled to free prescriptions.
Nearly 90 percent of the population qualify for this help towards prescription charges.
How much will a NHS Pre-Payment Certificate save on prescription costs?
- 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
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