The government is considering plans to overhaul NHS prescription rules in England, potentially forcing millions of over-60s to pay charges for the first time. Currently, most adults pay £9.35 per item, but exemptions exist for those aged 60 and over, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions.
Under the proposed changes, the qualifying age for free prescriptions would rise from 60 to 66, aligning with the state pension age. Campaigners warn this could drag 2.4 million people into paying, with the average person in their early 60s facing an extra £50 to £100 annually unless they qualify under another exemption.
The consultation, which began last summer, closed four months ago, but ministers have not yet announced a final decision. One option would change the law immediately, while the government’s preferred approach would phase in the increase, protecting those already aged 60 at the time of the change. However, younger individuals would have to pay from age 60 unless they have another exemption.
Analysts suggest any change could take effect on April 1, 2022, coinciding with the annual prescription charge rise and other financial pressures such as the energy price cap increase and National Insurance rise. The Department for Health and Social Care stated no decisions have been made, adding that any change would “restore the link” between free prescriptions and the state pension age. A spokesperson said: “We are considering the responses carefully and will respond in due course.”
