Prescription charge threat adds to pain of costs crisis
ONE year ago the Government proposed scrapping free NHS prescriptions for the over-60s, spreading fear among those suffering from multiple chronic conditions who do not pay for their medication.
On July 1, 2021, it published its consultation on aligning the upper age exemption for NHS prescription charges in England with the state pension age.
If approved, this would see the qualifying age jump from 60 to 66, meaning millions could face paying prescription charges for an extra six years. Pensioners over 66 will escape, as they do today, but the move could cost others a small fortune.
Having to pay the current £9.35 prescription fee would pile on further misery as prices rocket.
The Department forwork & Pensions (DWP) argues that many people aged from 60 to 65 still work and so can afford to cover the cost.
Yet it seems reluctant to come to a decision, extending the uncertainty.
AGE CONCERN
Last year, the Government made an aggressive case for the increase, then-health Minister James Bethell noting that the upper age exemption for free prescriptions used to align with the state pension age.
Currently, people receive free prescriptions when they turn 60 in England – this has not changed since 1974 for women, and 1995 for men.
Bethell said: “Prescription charges are an important source of NHS income, and the costs of providing free prescriptions continue to increase with our ageing population.”
He said the change could bring in up to £300million by 2026-2027, money that would go towards “essential running costs for frontline services”.
Last September, Bethell was forced to resign because he had used personal accounts to conduct government business.
Yet his words still cause alarm.
HIDDEN COSTS
Critics say the social and financial costs of charging for prescriptions would far outweigh the benefits.
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams called the move “selfdefeating”, as it could deter many from taking essential medication: “Conditions left untreated can lead to really serious medical problems, piling more pressure on to the NHS.”
She added: “This policy proposal seems all the more unfair because prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland and Wales.”
Another issue is the state pension age is rising. It is currently 66 and will start rising to 67 from 2026, then 68 thereafter and possibly higher.
So the over-60s could end up paying towards prescriptions for seven years or more.
HEALTH WORRY
While life expectancy is rising, healthy life expectancy, which measures whether people are in good health, is flat for males at 62.9 years and falling for women to 63.3 years. The poorest tend to fall ill at a younger age, and now face having to fund prescriptions from already over-stretched pockets.those with serious conditions can limit the total cost by purchasing a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), which saves money if you need more than three items in three months, or 11 items in 12 months.
A PPC costs £30.25 for three months or £108.10 for a year. Buying one is a gamble, though, as you could lose out if you need less medication than anticipated.
Somebody turning 60 this year who bought a 12-month PPC every year until they turned 67 would pay £756.70 in total, if the DWP move goes through.
In practice, the bill is likely to be higher, as the PPC charge typically rises in line with inflation every year.
Over the past 10 years, the cost of prescriptions has risen by a thumping 26.4 per cent, an increase of £1.95 per item, according to Chemist4u.
EXEMPTIONS
When asked when the DWP will make a decision, a spokesperson said: “We are considering the responses carefully and will respond in due course.”
The Tory leadership campaign is likely to further delay this, so we may not have an answer until the autumn, and probably much later than that.
The DWP points out that around 90 per cent of community prescription items in England are free.
People do not pay if they are on a low income, over 60, or have certain conditions. Claimants on Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income-related Employment and Support
Allowance also qualify for free
NHS prescriptions.
Many receiving Universal Credit, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits or who have a valid NHS tax credits exemption certificate may also escape the £9.35 charge.
Yet millions who are in work but on low incomes will still be hit.
‘It seems all the more unfair as prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland and Wales’
DECISION TIME
As the costs crisis worsens, charging the over-60s for NHS medication would be a shocking move.
Maybe the DWP will step away, for fear of the consequences. It would get a new Conservative Party leader off to a controversial start.
Either way, a decision sooner rather than later would give some clarity for millions.they deserve an answer today, not in “due course”.