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Prescription Charges Coalition submits evidence to Health Select Committee Inquiry

24/10/2014

2 Comments

 
The Prescription Charges Coalition has submitted written evidence to the Health Select Committee Inquiry into Public Expenditure on Health and Social Care.

The terms of reference for the inquiry include consideration of:
  • The possible funding options for the NHS for the long term, including international comparisons
  • To what extent is it a realistic option to merge NHS and social care eligibility and funding as set out in the Barker Review

Our evidence:
  • Welcomes the Barker Commission's recommendation for a review of prescription charges in England
  • Calls on the Government to consider the health, economic and societal evidence for extending to all long-term conditions the current medical exemptions for prescription charges
  • Highlights that the system for exemptions has developed in a piecemeal way and that medical exemption criteria is outdated, having remained largely unchanged since 1968
  • Draws on Prescription Charges Coalition research and individual experiences, which show that many people with long-term conditions are not collecting their medication or are rationing it because of the cost and are experiencing worse health and, in some cases, hospitalisation as a result
  • Concludes that any review of prescription charges needs to take account of the potential costs and consequences of the policy and not only what may be raised by charges.

 
2 Comments
Sarah C
26/10/2014 11:01:28

My partner had a massive heart attack a year ago and has to take 9 tablets a day and was told he would at a push only have 15years to live. He also has a GTN spray which he still uses. Due to his health problems he cannot take many OTC pain killers or anti inflammatory medication. These ALL have to be prescribed. It cost him nearly £100 a month to LIVE. He is on a low wage and cannot afford to pay out for the yearly payment option as he does not have the spare money to do so.

WHY is it that someone needs theses drugs to stay alive and yet they have to pay for them.

I fully understand that people have other illnesses and conditions, BUT why should they get ALL there medication FREE, including eye test and dental. This seems very very unfair and one sided.
It is about time something was done about the charges for LIFESAVING Medication, as I am sure that there are many people that do not take their correct medication as they cannot afford it thus endangering their lives' and who's fault is this?????????????

Reply
Jill L
23/11/2014 07:57:49

Sarah, I agree your partner should get free prescriptions. I've had Epilepsy all my life and have been fortunate to be well controlled, with medication, I've worked for 34 years and paid NI. Now I've been diagnoised with Asthma and I'm not so well and have taken early retirement. I don't get much money, only what my partner gives me. I'm waiting for my pension and I don't claim any benefits. Yes I do get free prescriptions, but if they can be bought OTC my GP expects all his patients to do so. I certainly DO NOT free eye tests or dental work. I think that's just for those on long term benefits.To help you, have you considered claiming carers allowance? I know that's for you, but it should help a little.

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The Prescription Charges Coalition is chaired by Parkinson's UK.
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