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PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(6 December 2024)

Question Asked

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to review the list of conditions eligible for free prescriptions by working age people.

Asked by:
Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat)

Answer

There are no plans to review the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate to exempt people from the prescription charge.

Approximately 89% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in the community in England, and there are a wide range of exemptions from prescription charges already in place, for which those with the greatest need may be eligible. Eligibility depends on the patient’s age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, whether they have a qualifying medical condition, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension.

People on low incomes can apply for help with their health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) are also available. PPCs allow people to claim as many prescriptions as they need for a set cost, with three-month and 12-month certificates available. The 12-month PPC can be paid for in instalments.


Answered by:
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1 January 1970            

        

            
                            
                            
                        

                    


                                    

                    

                        

                    

                

            
                    

                                    

                

                    
Contains Parliamentary information licensed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.