We ask the Government to add Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) to the NHS prescription charge exemption list as soon as possible. This will help ensure those affected by this serious condition, which can be life-threatening, can access essential medication and treatments without financial burden.
Sickle Cell Disease is a lifelong condition which can lead to other life-threatening health problems. It particularly commonly affects people with an African or Caribbean family background. Yet unlike many other serious illnesses, it’s not covered by NHS prescription charge exemptions despite being the most common genetic blood disorder in the UK. Many patients may not be able to work but still face monthly costs for vital medication.
We think this isn’t just unfair—it’s unjust. We urge the government to add SCD to the exemption list and take a stand against inequality in healthcare.
Monday 11th August 2025
The Government has no current plans to add sickle cell disease to the medical exemption list. Extensive arrangements are in place in England to ensure that prescriptions are affordable for everyone.
The Government has no current plans to review the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate, including relating to sickle cell disease.
There are extensive arrangements in place in England to ensure that prescriptions are affordable for everyone. Approximately 89% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in the community in England, and there are a wide range of exemptions from prescription charges already in place for which those with sickle cell disease may be eligible. Eligibility depends on the patient’s age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension. People on low incomes can apply for help with their health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. The Scheme provides income-related help to people who are not automatically exempt from charges but who may be entitled to full or partial help if they have a low income and savings below a defined limit. More information can be found here: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/free-nhs-prescriptions
People who need to pay NHS prescription charges and need many prescription items could save money with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), which allows people to claim as many prescriptions as they need for a set cost. A 3-monthly PPC (costing £32.05) or an annual PPC (costing £114.50) will save people money if they need four or more items in 3 months or 12 or more items in 12 months. To help spread the cost, people can pay for an annual PPC by 10 monthly direct debits. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just over £2 per week. More information, and a link to purchase a PPC, can be found here: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc
The Department of Health and Social Care works closely with the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), whose promotional activity on help with health costs regularly includes:
• Continuous organic social media promotion
• Paid social media advertising, directed at both patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs)
• Website content, directed at both patients and HCPs
• Media releases to relevant news titles
• Promotion to HCPs through relevant healthcare bulletins
The NHSBSA has also developed an online tool to help patients find out what help they may be able to get and where to apply for it. This is available on the NHSBSA website at:
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/dont-get-caught-out-penalty-charges/check-you-tick#:~:text=If%20you%20claim%20free%20NHS,Even%20if%20it%27s%20by%20mistake
Department of Health and Social Care