Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of prescription charges on people with Cystic Fibrosis in Lincolnshire.

The Government has not made an assessment of the potential impact of prescription charges on people with cystic fibrosis in Lincolnshire and has no current plans to review the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate.

There are a wide range of exemptions from prescription charges already in place for which those with cystic fibrosis 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, whether they have a qualifying medical condition, and 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. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) are also available. PPCs allow people to claim as many prescriptions as they need for a set cost, with 3-month and 12-month certificates available.