Prescription medicines on the NHS currently cost £9.90 per item, though certain people can obtain them free of charge if they satisfy specific eligibility requirements. This encompasses everyone aged over 60 or under 16, with those aged 16-18 qualifying under particular circumstances.
During the Conservative administration, suggestions to harmonise the upper age threshold with state pension age were proposed, however it was ultimately determined in 2023 to keep the upper age boundary at 60. Now, a further update has emerged regarding this potential change.
When questioning the Secretary of State for the Department of Health and Social Care on this issue, Liberal Democrat MP Vikki Slade enquired: “Whether he plans to change the age at which people become eligible for free (a) prescriptions and (b) optical care.”
Labour MP Dr Zubir Ahmed clarified the future of these age qualification thresholds, disclosing that no alterations are planned to modify this criterion.
He stated: “There are no plans to change the eligibility for free NHS prescriptions, NHS-funded sight tests or optical vouchers, including eligibility based on age. Free National Health Service prescriptions and NHS-funded sight tests are available for many.
“This includes children under the age of 16 years old and those under the age of 19 years old in full time education, people on a low income, and adults aged 60 years old and over. NHS optical vouchers to help with the cost of glasses are also available for children.”
Everyone aged 60 and above will continue to enjoy free prescriptions on the NHS. Your birth date is typically electronically printed on the prescription, eliminating the need for proof of age when claiming free prescriptions.
However, there are five other methods to qualify for free prescriptions, most of which necessitate some form of proof during the claim process. Incorrectly claiming free prescriptions could result in a penalty charge.
The NHSBSA website provides further information, including an online test to check your potential eligibility for free prescriptions.
Benefits
Those receiving income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, and income-related employment and support allowance are automatically eligible for free NHS prescriptions. This extends to their partners and any dependents under the age of 20.
Your award notice may be required as evidence of your entitlement to free prescriptions. Individuals on Pension Credit and Universal Credit may also qualify for free prescriptions, but this isn’t automatic and additional qualifying criteria apply.
Pregnant women and new parents
If you’re pregnant or have given birth in the past 12 months, you’re only entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you possess a valid maternity exemption certificate. Present your certificate as proof of your entitlement.
Medical Conditions
Folks with certain health conditions might be entitled to free prescriptions, but they’ll need a medical exemption certificate to qualify. This certificate must be shown as evidence of your entitlement to free prescriptions.
Health conditions
You can only receive free NHS prescriptions due to your health condition if you possess a valid medical exemption certificate. Present your certificate as proof of your entitlement.
Low Income
Those on a low income can apply for an HC2 certificate via the NHS Low Income Scheme, which will verify their eligibility for full help with healthcare costs. The HC3 certificate is another option for those on a low income, but it only provides limited assistance with healthcare costs and does not cover free NHS prescriptions.
War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Payments
Individuals with a valid war pension exemption certificate will be eligible for free NHS prescriptions if the item is related to their accepted disability. This includes free NHS wigs and fabric supports.