Should the free prescription age in England be raised to 66?
Last year, the Government announced plans to increase the qualifying age for free prescriptions in England from 60 to 66 – falling in line with the State Pension age.
The Government consultation on increasing the age at which people can access free medicine closed in September but no decision has yet been made. The Department of Health and Social Care said its “position is that responses are being considered carefully and we’ll respond in due course”.
It said that as many 60 to 65-year-olds remain in employment, they will be able to afford the cost.
Prescription charges usually increase on April 1, triggering concerns that this date will also see the end of free prescriptions for over-60s.
It could impact millions of older people who live with chronic conditions in England – although many should still remain exempt from charges.
On 1st April 2021, the prescription charge increased by 20p – from £9.15 to £9.35 – as a result of inflation.
At the time, the Prescription Charges Coalition dubbed the increase as a “tax on health” and said on its current trajectory the charge could hit £10.15 by 2025.
If prescription charges continue to rise by inflation they could get even more expensive, with price growth expected to top six percent this year.
Laura Cockram, chair of Prescription Charges Coalition, is battling against the moves to make the over 60s pay for NHS prescriptions, warning of “the dire impact of the proposals on those living with health conditions”.
Age UK labelled the proposal a “bitter pill to swallow for millions”.
Director Caroline Abrahams said prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland and Wales and the principle should be extended to England, too.
If the change happens, some 60-65-year-olds may still qualify for free NHS prescriptions if they are on a low income, qualify for certain benefits or have a medical exemption.
What are your views? Will this impact you if it goes ahead? Do you plan to work until you reach your pension age?
If you feel strongly against this proposal, here is a link to the petition – Protect free NHS prescriptions for over 60s
