NHS prescription charges are due to increase in England whilst people living in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland do not have to pay for their prescriptions.
The charge of a single prescription item will rise from 1st April £9.35 from the current price of £9.15. A three-month prescription will also increase by 60p to £30.25, while a 12-month prescription will increase by £2.20 to cost £108.10.
Past price increases
2020 – 15p
2019 – 20p
2018 – 20p
Laura Cockram, chairwoman of the Prescription Charges Coalition, said: “By continuing to drive up the cost of prescriptions, the government is ignoring clear evidence that the charge is a false economy that leaves people unable to afford vital medication, which can then place increased pressure on the NHS through emergency hospital admissions.
“No-one should be forced to choose between eating or heating their home and paying for vital medication.
“At this highly volatile economic time, it is incredibly disappointing that yet again, people with long-term conditions are being penalised by an outdated prescription charges system.”
Who is exempt from the charge?
You may be eligible to get your NHS prescription for free if you meet the following criteria when your prescription is dispensed:
- You are aged 60 or over
- You are aged under 16
- You are aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- You are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate
- You have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate
- You have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate
- You hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
- You are an NHS inpatient
