Fifteen groups of people can still get their NHS prescriptions for free - see full list

With what looks to be a hard winter ahead and another round of punishing austerity appearing an increasing likelihood, people will be looking to save money wherever they can.

A number of groups are eligible to not pay for NHS prescriptions, which could make a difference for people who rely on prescriptions.

In July 2021, the government began a consultation to raise the minimum age for a free prescription from 60 to 66, in line with the state pension age.

The consultation closed in September last year, and as yet no changes have been made to the age at which you can claim a free prescription.

It was condemned by charity Age UK, who criticised the proposal as "self-defeating" on their website, adding that: "Our biggest worry about this proposal is its potential impact on people’s health, especially if their money is tight.

Over 60s are still eligible for free prescriptions despite proposals to raise the age to 66 (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

"We are deeply concerned they may be reluctant to act on symptoms, seek medical advice or get a diagnosis, for fear they will be unable to afford long term, symptom relieving or even in some cases lifesaving medication."

There doesn't appear to have been an update on the proposal since September last year, however Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has indicated that more austerity is likely to be on the way, meaning that the government will be once again considering which services it can cut.

There are currently 15 groups of people exempt from prescription charges (Getty Images)

At present however, there are still 15 groups which are exempt from paying the standard prescription fee of £9.35 per item, including people aged 60 and over.

You can also apply for a Pre-Payment Certificate (PPC) if you are on long-term medication, this costs £30.25 for three months and £108.10 for 12 months.

Who is eligible for a free prescription?

According to the NHS website, you can claim a free prescription if you are:

• aged 60 or over
• aged under 16
• aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education
• are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and possess a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)
• have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
• have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
• hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
• are an NHS inpatient

The government had been in consultations about raising the minimum age in line with the State Pension (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

You can also claim a free prescription if you or your partner receive some form of benefit, or you are under 20 and reliant on someone who receives one of the following payments:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit and meet the criteria

NHS inpatients can receive free prescriptions (Getty Images)

Free prescriptions are also available to people on qualifying forms of tax credit. The NHS lists these as:

• a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate – if you do not have a certificate, you can show your award notice. You qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both), and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less
• a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

• 

  People on certain types of income support can also claim free prescriptions (Getty Images)