PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Cystic Fibrosis: Prescriptions (14 July 2022)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the report from Cystic Fibrosis UK entitled The cost of cystic fibrosis 2022, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of prescription charges for people with (a) cystic fibrosis and (b) other health conditions.

Asked by:
Feryal Clark (Labour)

We have no plans to do so and no specific assessment has been made. Approximately 89% of prescriptions are dispensed free of charge and arrangements are in place to help those with the greatest need. Eligibility depends on the patient’s age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension. Some people with cystic fibrosis may meet the eligibility criteria for prescription charge exemptions and may therefore be in receipt of free prescriptions.

To support those who do not qualify for a medical exemption, the cost of prescriptions can be capped by purchasing a prescription pre-payment certificate, which can be paid for in instalments. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just over £2 per week.

Answered by:
Maria Caulfield (Conservative)
27 July 2022