Health is a devolved issue in the UK, meaning people in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales already get free prescriptions.
However, there are some circumstances where English patients can also get them for free, whether it’s because of their age, financial circumstances or medical conditions they have.
Am I entitled to free prescriptions in England?
People living in England are eligible for free prescriptions if they are aged 60 or over, are under 16 or 16 to 18 and are in full-time education.
You are also eligible if you are pregnant or have given birth in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate.
Medical exemption certificates are also issued through an application form by a doctor for specific cases.
The National Health Service has said that you are entitled to a medical exemption certificate if you have:
- a permanent fistula (for example, ceecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or ileostomy) which needs continuous surgical dressing or a device.
- a form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison’s disease) for which specific replacement therapy is essential
- diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism
- diabetes mellitus, except when the treatment is done only with diet
- hypoparathyroidism
- myasthenia gravis
- myxoedema (i.e. hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)
- epilepsy which needs continuous anticonvulsant therapy
- a permanent physical disability that means you cannot get out without the help of another person
- cancer and are undergoing treatment for:
- cancer
- effects of cancer
- effects of cancer treatment
The NHS has explained that these are the only conditions that entitle you to a medical exemption certificate.
The health service added that if you are unsure of the name of your condition, you should speak to your doctor.
Additionally, you may also qualify if you have a valid War Pension Exemption Certificate and the prescription is for your admitted disability
If you are currently hospitalized on a doctor’s order or claim certain benefits or have a low income, you may also be eligible.
Can I get help with prescription costs?
Support for those on low incomes is available to help manage prescription costs.
The low income NHS scheme covers costs such as prescription costs, dental costs and eye care costs.
Healthcare travel costs, wigs and fabric support are also included in the scheme.
The NHS has explained that you can apply for the scheme if the value of your savings, investments or property is under £23,250 for people living permanently in a care home.
All others must be under £16,000.
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The health service went on to say that the help you are entitled to is also available to your partner and any young dependents.
It depends on your savings for your eligibility (full aid is HC2 certificate, meanwhile HC3 is for partial aid)
You can apply for certification either online or by mail.
If you need help or have questions about LIS, call 0300 330 1343 between 08:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday and 09:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays.
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