Ministers are considering proposals to lift the age for free prescriptions from 60 to 66, bringing it into line with the State Pension age. The most likely date for the change is April 1, which is when prescription charges traditionally rise in line with inflation.
That is just a couple of months away, and would add to the spiralling cost of living crisis, especially with income tax bands frozen and the new National Insurance levy coming into force five days afterwards on April 6.
The Government is yet to confirm how much NHS prescription charges will rise by on April 1, but an announcement may be close.
NHS prescription fees have risen by an average of 2.35 percent year-on-year over the last decade. If that trend continues, they will rise from £9.35 to £9.57, according to new research by Chemist4U.
Rich Quelch from pharmaceutical experts Origin warned: “As the cost of living hits a 30-year peak, any increase to prescription charges could pinch household finances even further.”
UK inflation is now 5.4 percent, and if prescription charges rose by that amount they could hit £9.85 instead.
In the past decade, NHS prescription charges have risen by a thumping 26.35 percent.
Those on regular medication can save money with the prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), which costs £108.10 for a year of “free” prescriptions.
However, this is also likely to rise by inflation.
Many now expect the Government to hike the age threshold for free prescriptions to age 66 at the same time.
Quelch said millions could suffer if it does. “An estimated 2.4 million people will have to pay the full prescription charge if they don’t meet other eligibility criteria.”
Laura Cockram, chair of the Prescription Charges Coalition, which is battling moves to raise the age for free prescriptions, said linking prescription charges to the State Pension age will be a “disaster”.
Cockram said people are already having to choose between food and medications. “This simply should not be a decision that people have to make.”
READ MORE: ‘Cruel change’ to free NHS prescriptions age ‘would be disaster’
The registered disabled should also continue to get free prescriptions, provided they are unable to go out, or receive help from someone else. They will also be required to have a valid medical exemption certificate. Those with a war pension exemption certificate should also escape charges.
Pregnant women or those who have had a baby in the last 12 months don’t pay, with the maternity exemption certificate. Nor will those with a valid medical exemption certificate or NHS certificate for full help with health costs, known as HC2.
Benefit claimants on Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit Guarantee Credit should continue to get free prescriptions, whatever their age.
As will those on Universal Credit, if their earnings during the last assessment were £435 or less, or £935 or less if their benefit includes an element for a child or a person who has limited capability for work.
People with a valid NHS tax credits exemption certificate may escape the expanded charge, typically those who receive Child Tax Credits or Working Tax Credits with a disability element, and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or below.
Many others will have to pay. A Government decision will be made “in due course”.
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