Thank you for contacting me about prescription charges for people with long-term conditions.
I understand your concerns, however, I am aware that there is already an extensive system of prescription charge exemptions in England. This includes provision for people on low incomes who can apply for free prescriptions through the NHS Low Income Scheme, or who get free prescriptions due to the receipt of certain benefits. This system of exemptions means that 90 per cent of prescription items are dispensed without charge.
Prescription charges generate a valuable income to the NHS budget of around £450 million - money used towards patient care that would have to be found elsewhere if these charges were abolished.
You may be interested to know that there is already a provision in place for people who require multiple prescriptions, such as those with long-term conditions who have to pay charges. The Prescription Prepayment Certificate allows holders to pay no further charge at the point of dispensing, with no limit of the number of items which can be obtained under the certificate. The Government has supported this scheme by freezing the cost of the annual certificate for the last five years and the three-month certificate for the last three years. I believe these are constructive measures to help those most in need.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
