The government has announced that prescription charges in England will be frozen for the first time in 12 years. The announcement comes as millions of households across the country struggle with the rising cost of living.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed that prescription charges would remain at £9.35 until next year. Normally, according to the Department of Health, prescription charges would increase “in line with inflation” - which is currently rising at a 40-year high of 9%.
Javid said the decision to freeze prescription charges would “put money back in people’s pockets”, but nearly 90% of prescriptions are free. So who actually has to pay for prescriptions?
Who’s entitled to free prescriptions?
Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Various groups of people in England are also entitled to receive free prescriptions.
According to the NHS, you can get free prescriptions if you’re in at least one of the following categories:
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You’re over 60
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You’re under 16
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You’re aged 16-18 in full-time education
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You’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MedEx)
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You have a specified medical condition and a valid medical exemption certificate
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You hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and your prescription is for your accepted disability
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You’re an NHS inpatient
In addition, you’re entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner (including civil partners) receive the following benefits, or you’re aged under 20 and are a dependent of someone receiving them:
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Income Support
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
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Universal Credit (provided you meet the relevant criteria)
You can also get free prescriptions if you’re entitled to or named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate or a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2). You may also get help if you’re named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3).
Who has to pay for prescription medication?
If you’re in England and you aren’t in any of the above-mentioned groups entitled to free prescriptions, you’ll have to pay for yours. But prescription charges will at least remain frozen at £9.35 this year, rather than rising with inflation as they normally would.
However, some items are always free, including medicines for NHS hospital inpatients and contraceptives. You can use the NHS’ online eligibility checker to see what help you’re entitled to when it comes to NHS costs.
