Free prescription age frozen at 60 in government U-turn

The government has performed a major U-turn over plans to raise the age threshold for free prescriptions.

The decision to keep eligibility at age 60 came in response to a consultation launched in 2021 that proposed raising the age free prescriptions become available to the State Pension age, which is currently 66.

The plans sparked criticism over the potential effect on thousands of older people, with the government’s own impact assessment suggesting that 15 percent of prescription users aged 60-65 were at risk of being deterred from continuing their medication.

Taking into account a number of factors, including the cost of living crisis and increased medical needs due to an ageing population, the government has decided to freeze the age at 60.

Minister for health, Neil O’Brien, said: ‘This government recognises the pressures with the cost of living caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That’s why we are providing cost of living help worth £3,300 on average per household over last year and this, among the most generous help anywhere in Europe.

‘t’s also why we have decided to maintain the prescription exemption age where it is. Nine out of 10 prescriptions are already free at the point of use and on top of that we also provide financial help to others on low incomes who don’t automatically get prescriptions for free.’

Prescription charge exemptions will also remain in place for those aged under 16 or aged 17 and 18 but in full time education, while those in receipt of certain benefits can also receive free prescriptions.

People on a low income who do not qualify for an automatic exemption can also seek help under the NHS Low Income Scheme.

For those who do not qualify for an exemption or the NHS Low Income Scheme, prepayment certificates (PPC) are available to help with frequent prescriptions should they be required.

The annual PPC can be paid for through 10 instalments. This means people can have as many prescription items as needed for just over £2 per week.

The current NHS prescription charge is £9.65. Around 40 percent of the population are currently liable to pay the prescription charge, though 89 percent of the items dispensed in the community are dispensed free of charge as it is mainly older people who need them. Of the 11 percent of items paid for, five percent are paid for by a single charge at the point of dispensing and six percent are covered by the PPC.

Image: Simone van der Koelen