Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Free Prescriptions: People aged 60 and Over

Tuesday 18 January 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sarah Green raised concerns about the impact of potential policy changes on individuals aged 60 and over who rely on free prescriptions for long-term illnesses.
  • The Secretary of State stated that there is no decision to increase the upper age limit for free prescriptions, and the Government remains committed to maintaining free prescriptions for pensioners.
  • Stephen Metcalfe asked the Secretary of State to remind those paying for prescriptions about the pre-payment certificate which can save them money.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
NHS Benefits & Welfare
Context

A policy change could affect a vulnerable age group with higher likelihood of long-term illnesses requiring medication. A constituent expressed concern about the cost of his wife's Parkinson's medication if free prescriptions were no longer available.

Question

I am concerned that such a policy change would impact individuals aged 60 and over who are more likely to have one or more long-term illnesses requiring medication. My constituent has informed me of his worry regarding the cost of his wife's Parkinson's medication should this change be implemented. Given the additional strain of rising living costs, will the Secretary of State reconsider these proposals and review the medical exemption criteria?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

There is no decision made regarding an increase in the upper age limit for free prescriptions. The rumour of pensioners losing access to free prescriptions is completely false. The Government remains committed to maintaining free prescriptions for pensioners.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Reviewing medical exemption criteria and reconsidering proposals

How: Can I Just Reinforce The Answer I Have Just Given?, There Is No Decision...

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Q2 Sarah Green Lib Dem Chesham and Amersham
NHS
Context

A constituent of the MP has expressed concern about the potential cost implications if free prescriptions were no longer available to people aged 60 and over.

Question

Given that a change in policy could affect millions facing additional prescription costs, will the Secretary of State reconsider these proposals and review the list of conditions qualifying for medical exemption certificates?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

There is no decision to increase the upper age limit for free prescriptions. The rumour that pensioners will lose access to free prescriptions is false, and the Government remains committed to maintaining this benefit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Reviewing medical exemption criteria and reconsidering proposals

How: Can I Just Reinforce The Answer I Have Just Given?, There Is No Decision...

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Q3 Stephen Metcalfe Con
NHS
Context

A policy change could affect those who regularly use their pharmacy, potentially increasing their costs.

Question

I am glad to hear that no decision has been made on this important matter. Will my hon. Friend remind those paying for prescriptions about the pre-payment certificate which can save them money?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

My hon. Friend is right, and he correctly highlights the pre-payment certificate. For those who regularly use their pharmacy, a 12-month pre-payment certificate costs about £2 per week and can save £116.30 for two items or £228.50 for three items.

Answered
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