The government has announced it is to freeze NHS prescription charges in England, for the first time in 3 years, keeping the cost of a prescription at £9.90 for each medicine prescribed.
Three-month and annual prescriptions prepayment certificates will also be frozen for this year and next year, at £32.05 (three month) and at £114.50 (annual). These certificates allow you to pay a standard charge every month, regardless of the number of medicines you need prescribed, so overall costing you less.
People who are already exempt from paying any prescription costs, will carry on not needing to pay. You can see the list below of the groups who are entitled to free prescriptions.
The government has also said that annual charges for prescriptions can now be made in instalments, for roughly just over £2 a week, putting less pressure on people to pay the costs monthly.
The freeze will also apply to NHS wigs and fabric supports, with prices remaining the same as they are currently.
Interestingly, the government’s announcement came within a week of the Welsh government marking 18 years as the first UK nation to abolish prescription charges altogether. This decision has been credited with helping people in Wales to stick to their prescribed medications better, as well as reduced GP visits and lower hospital admission rates for certain conditions.
A reminder of the main groups which are exempt from prescription charges in England:
- children under 16 and those in full-time education aged 16 to 18
- people aged 60 and over
- pregnant women and those who have had a baby in the last 12 months
- people with specified medical conditions like diabetes or cancer and who have valid exemption certificates
- those receiving qualifying benefits including Universal Credit (with criteria)
- NHS inpatients
Patients on a low income, who do not qualify for an exemption, can apply for help with health costs through application to the NHS Low Income Scheme.