As the Government confirms that prescription charges won't rise in April, many will let out a sigh of relief that at least the price of one item won't be increasing alongside the soaring cost of living prices. That still means though, that charges will sit at their current level of £9.35 per item.
However, some medical conditions and benefit claimants qualify for free prescriptions. In fact, Birmingham Live reported that there are five DWP benefits and 10 medical conditions that get you free NHS prescriptions In general, free prescriptions should currently be available to those who are 60 or over, as well as those under the age of 16, or aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education. Those who are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months should also get medicine free of charge. Moves to change the age at which a person becomes eligible for free prescriptions, from 60 to 66, are being considered.
This would put it in line with the qualifying age for the State Pension. However, individuals may be exempt from paying for medicine for a variety of reasons, including being in receipt of some DWP state benefits or having specific medical conditions.
