The Government has responded to a question from an MP about extending free NHS prescriptions to people with asthma.
Labour MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, who works shifts at the accident and emergency department at her local hospital, posed the question in Parliament.
She asked if there has been an assessment of “the potential merits of adding asthma to the list of long-term medical conditions that are exempt from prescription charges”.
A number of medical conditions already entitle a person to free NHS prescriptions in England, if you have a valid medical exemption certificate. Prescriptions are free for everyone in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
This includes types of diabetes and cancer, and if you have a physical disability where you cannot go out without someone’s help.
Health minister Karin Smyth said in response: “There are no current plans to review the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate.
“Approximately 89 percent of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in the community in England, and there are a wide range of exemptions from prescription charges already in place for which those with asthma 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, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension.”
The minister said people on low incomes can also get help with their health costs by applying through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Ms Smyth added: “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 PPCs can be paid for in instalments.”
People with these conditions only can currently get free NHS prescriptions in England:
- A permanent fistula (such as a caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or ileostomy) which needs continuous surgical dressing or an appliance
- A form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison’s Disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential
- Diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism
- Diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Myasthenia gravis
- Myxoedema (hypothyroidism which needs thyroid hormone replacement)
- Epilepsy which needs continuous anticonvulsive therapy
- A continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without the help of another person
- Cancer if you are undergoing treatment for either cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment.
You will need to apply for a medical exemption certificate to be eligible, with the certificate normally lasting for five years after which it has to be renewed.
A person will need to speak to their GP or doctor to renew their certificate. Reminders are sent out around a month before the certificate expires.
NHS prescriptions are also free for anyone aged 60 and over in England.
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