Bitter pill to swallow
THE OVER-60S automatically qualify for free NHS prescriptions but that may soon end, as the Government scrambles to generate money to fund the Covid-19 bailouts and plug the budget deficit.
It has now suggested lifting the qualification age for free prescriptions to 66 in line with the state pension age, generating a backlash from campaigners who warn older people could face “devastating” health challenges as a result.
The prescription charge in England is £9.35 per item but they have been free for the over-60s for more than 25 years.
This will look like yet another stealth tax to many, coming on top of the new health and social care National Insurance levy, and Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s move to freeze tax allowances until 2026 in his March Budget.
The Department of Health and Social Care defended the proposal saying that “blanket exemptions for people aged 60 and over are no longer appropriate”, as many can afford to pay.
Its research shows that around 60 per cent of people aged between 60 and 65 are “still economically active and potentially able to meet the cost of their prescriptions”.
The move could generate up to £300million a year for the NHS by
2026 to 2027, but Age UK said scrapping free prescriptions would be a “kick in the teeth both for poorly older people and the NHS”.
Charity director Caroline Abrahams said many are on several medications in their early 60s as they develop long-term health conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol: “If they have to pay for prescriptions the cost would quickly mount up. It would discourage them from getting a diagnosis and adhering to their prescribed medication.”
Some will find it unaffordable, especially those who are on modest incomes but do not qualify for Universal Credit.
Abrahams said the move would save little as it will only raise a “tiny fraction” of the NHS’S £212billion budget, and could ultimately cost more than it saves: “It will be self-defeating for the Treasury if it leads to higher NHS treatment costs.”
Thorrun Govind, chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s English Pharmacy Board, has also condemned the proposals, saying they are “completely against the principles of healthcare in this country”.
The move would “further drive the health inequalities that have been highlighted by Covid-19”, and force people to base health choices on their ability to pay, she said.
Govind called on England to follow Scotland and Wales, and scrap prescription charges for everybody.
The Government says people can save by purchasing the Prescription Prepayment Certificate, which costs £30.25 for three months or £108.10 a year.
However, some could struggle to afford this and awareness is low, campaigners say.
A DHSC spokesperson said the age people get free prescriptions in England has not changed since 1974 for women, and 1995 for men: “We continue to protect the most vulnerable and support is available for those on a low income and those on certain benefits.”
Almost 90 per cent of prescriptions are free as most go to the over-65s, and there are exemptions for certain medical conditions and expectant or new mothers.
The DHSC said low earners who do not qualify for an exemption should seek help from the NHS Low Income Scheme.