To ask His Majesty's Government what categories of people are exempt from prescription charges; and what percentage of the population this represents.
Answered on
7 March 2023
Exemption from National Health Service prescription charges is available to those who:
- are in receipt of certain benefits;
- are pregnant or recently had a baby and hold a valid exemption certificate;
- are aged 60 years old and over;
- are aged under 16 years old, or 16,17 or 18 years old and in qualifying full-time education;
- get a War Pension and the prescription is for the accepted disablement; and
- have one of the listed medical conditions and hold a valid exemption certificate.
In addition, the NHS Low Income Scheme help with health costs on an income-related basis. Those who qualify for full help under this scheme will receive free prescriptions.
Approximately 60% of the population are exempt from prescription charges. Data on the breakdown by exemption type by population is not centrally held.