Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will amend the prescription charge medical exemptions list to include (a) cystic fibrosis and (b) other long-term conditions.

We have no current plans to do so. Approximately 89% of prescriptions are dispensed free of charge and there are arrangements in place to help those with the greatest need. 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. Those with cystic fibrosis or another long-term condition may meet the eligibility criteria for prescription charge exemptions and be in receipt of free prescriptions.