More than 2.4 million people in England could lose their entitlement to free NHS prescriptions if the government proceeds with plans to raise the qualifying age from 60 to 66, aligning it with the state pension age. The Department of Health has launched a consultation on the proposal, which is estimated to generate £300 million for the NHS by 2026/27.
Currently, individuals aged 60 and over receive free prescriptions, which cost £9.35 per medicine. Under the new plans, eligibility would only begin at 66, meaning those aged 60 to 65 would have to pay. Age UK has warned that the change would be "a kick in the teeth" for older people and the NHS, potentially leading to patients skipping vital medication due to cost.
Charity Age UK has launched a 'Save Free Prescriptions' campaign ahead of the consultation's closure. Caroline Abrahams, the charity's director, said the policy is "extremely illjudged" as the savings could be outweighed by additional NHS costs if people fail to take their medication and become ill.
Jan Shortt, general secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, said the move would have a "massive negative effect" on pensioners' health, as prescription charges are unaffordable for those on low incomes without financial help. The government maintains that support is available for those on low incomes and certain benefits.
