Major change to NHS prescriptions today as millions face paying more
PRESCRIPTION charges hiked in price today — but HRT costs were slashed in a major change on the NHS.
Millions of Brits are now having to pay more for most prescriptions, under the Government plans to increase charges in line with inflation.
Prescription charges were frozen at £9.35 per item last April to help people cope with the cost of living crisis.
But the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has now applied an inflationary rate of 3.21 per cent, bringing prescription charges to £9.65.
Charities say the rise will make a huge dent in families’ budgets.
Sarah Sleet, chief executive of Crohn’s & Colitis UK, said: “We know that the cost of prescriptions is a huge issue for people in our community.
“A rise of 30 pence per item might not sound like much, but every penny counts when you’re having to make tough decisions about paying your bills or paying for the drugs you desperately need.
“Life with a chronic illness is stressful enough without adding extra financial pressures.”
The cost of prescription pre-payment certificates (PPCs) was also increased, with three-month PPC going up by £1 to £31.25 and 12-month PPC by £3.50 to £111.60.
England is the only country in the UK that still charges for prescription meds.
Some people in England can still pick up their prescription meds free of charge, but only if they are part of certain eligible groups.
A group of 40 charities raised concerns that conditions such as asthma, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis, stroke and Parkinson’s aren’t included on the exemption list.
Laura Cockram, chair of the Prescription Charges Coalition, said: “The prescription charge exemption list needs urgent reform.
“The system is failing people with long term conditions who are being forced to make choices every day about whether they feed their families, pay their bills or take medication.
Who is exempt from prescription charges?
You can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you:
- are 60 or over
- are under 16
- are 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)
- have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
- have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
- hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
- are an NHS inpatient
Medical exemption certificates are issued if you have:
- cancer, including the effects of cancer or the effects of current or previous cancer treatment
- a permanent fistula (for example, a laryngostomy, colostomy, ileostomy or some renal dialysis fistulas) requiring continuous surgical dressing or an appliance
- a form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison’s disease)
- diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism
- diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
- hypoparathyroidism
- myasthenia gravis
- myxoedema (hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
- epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy
- a continuing physical disability that means you cannot go out without the help of another person (temporary disabilities do not count, even if they last for several months)
You’re also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving various income support.
Read more about who can get free NHS prescriptions.
“We know the price rise will result in sick people relying more on NHS services that are already at breaking point.”
But in a win for the Sun’s Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign, hundreds of thousands of women will now save £205 a year on the drugs.
The rollout beginning today will involve a one-off charge of £19.30 for 12-month supply, instead of repeat prescriptions.
Hailing The Sun for campaigning to slash costs, Women’s Health Strategy Minister Maria Caulfield said: “I am extremely grateful to the Sun for its work on Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign, and to its readers for their continued support.
“We know every woman is different and may benefit from different treatments for the symptoms of menopause.
“HRT is the main treatment for menopause and price should not be a barrier to accessing it.”