BBC financial expert Paul Lewis has issued an urgent warning for adults under 60 in England to verify their eligibility for free NHS prescriptions, following the Chancellor's confirmation that charges will be frozen for the upcoming year.
The Cost of Prescriptions Across the UK
Lewis highlighted a significant disparity within the United Kingdom, pointing out that England remains the only nation where most adults under the age of 60 are required to pay for their prescriptions. This stands in stark contrast to Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, where all NHS prescriptions are provided free of charge.
Commenting on the announcement, Lewis stated that while the cost is being held, people must proactively check the rules. He advised: "Always check exemptions, failing that see if a prepayment certificate will save money."
Details of the Prescription Charge Freeze
In a move ahead of the Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the price of a single prescription item in England will remain at £9.90. This freeze, which also applies to three-month and annual pre-payment certificates for the 2026/27 period, extends a price hold that was first implemented in April.
This marks the first sustained freeze on prescription charges in three years. The Government estimates that this decision will save patients a collective £12 million next year.
Chancellor Reeves emphasised the ongoing pressure from the cost of living, asserting that "no one should put their health at risk because they can't afford their medication." She linked the freeze to the government's broader efforts to fix the NHS, noting that waiting lists have fallen by 230,000 over the past year.
How to Save on Your NHS Prescriptions
For those who do not qualify for automatic exemptions, there are ways to reduce costs. A key option is the Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC).
Who is eligible for free prescriptions?
Automatic entitlement to free NHS prescriptions in England includes people who are:
- Under 16 years old.
- Aged 16-18 and in full-time education.
- Aged 60 or over.
- Claiming certain income-based benefits like Income Support or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
What are the PPC options?
If you need multiple prescriptions, a PPC can offer significant savings:
- A 3-month PPC costs £32.05 and is cost-effective if you need more than 3 items in that period.
- A 12-month PPC costs £114.50 and saves money if you need more than 11 items in a year.
- A specialised HRT PPC is available for £19.80, covering hormone replacement therapy items.
The freeze was welcomed by Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). However, he reiterated the organisation's long-standing position. "The prescription charge is a tax that especially hits the working poor," Picard said. "We've said for years that prescription medicines should be free, as they are in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are many exemptions but people should not be charged for vital medicines; it's a tax on being ill."
The Chancellor is set to deliver the full Budget announcement on Wednesday, November 26.
