Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support people (a) on lower incomes and (b) who are living with a long-term health condition with the cost of prescription charges.

There are a wide range of exemptions already in place to help people afford prescriptions. Approximately 89% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in the community in England, and those with chronic illnesses may already be eligible for an exemption. 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. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) are also available. PPCs allow people to claim as many prescriptions as they need for a set cost, with three-month and 12-month certificates available, and the 12-month PPC can be paid for in instalments.