Millions more people in England could become eligible for free NHS prescriptions under a proposed change to the current rules. The change would extend eligibility to unpaid carers, who campaigners say are unfairly excluded from the support.
Prescription charges currently stand at £9.90 per item, a cost that can add up for those who need regular medication.
Campaigners call for change
The Vulnerability Registration Service, which helps share vulnerable people's details with trusted partners so they can access support, has warned that unpaid carers are missing out. Group CEO Helen Lord said unpaid carers are often "excluded" from getting their prescriptions for free, despite their health and finances being significantly affected when they take on caring responsibilities.
Lord explained: "Unpaid care can have a profound impact on someone's finances, employment, physical health and mental wellbeing. Many carers reduce their working hours or leave work altogether, while taking on additional responsibilities and costs."
She added: "Their own health can suffer because they have less time, energy or opportunity to look after themselves."
Eligibility and numbers
While unpaid carers can claim Carer's Allowance, which pays £86.45 a week, many do not qualify for this support, Lord noted. Data from Carers UK indicates there were 5.8 million unpaid carers in 2021, and if the current figure is similar, making all unpaid carers eligible for free prescriptions could benefit millions more people.
Lord said: "We should not assume that someone who is caring for a loved one has adequate financial support. For a carer already under pressure, prescription charges can be another expense at precisely the time when looking after their own health is most important."
It is worth checking eligibility, as some unpaid carers may already qualify. For example, prescriptions are free for those aged 60 and over, for those receiving Universal Credit or Pension Credit depending on income, and for those with certain medical conditions.
NHS response and savings
The NHS Business Services Authority (BSA) has measures in place to inform people they may be able to get medication for free. A Real Time Exemption Checking system is used by pharmacies at the point a patient collects their medication, and it checks against DWP databases to verify entitlement. An online checker tool is also available on the BSA website, and promotional communications are sent out in a range of languages for use by charities, GPs, midwives and others.
For those not eligible for free prescriptions, a prepayment certificate can help save on costs. The current prices are £32.05 for a 3-month certificate and £114.50 for 12 months, meaning savings are made if more than three items are needed over three months or more than 11 items over 12 months.
