Why are MPs debating prescription charges for the over 60s?

Petitions Committee Survey

Before the debate, the Petitions Committee launched a survey to ask petitioners for their views on the Government’s proposal to align the age of entitlement to free prescriptions with the state pension age, currently 66.

The results were shared with MPs ahead of the debate.

There were 1,863 responses to the Committee’s survey, 1,163 of whom told us they were aged 60-65 and would have to start paying for prescriptions if the age of entitlement to free prescriptions was increased to 66.

88% of respondents said they were ‘moderately’ or ‘extremely’ concerned about being able to afford prescriptions if they lost their entitlement to free prescriptions.

“In the economic climate with prices rising, I and people in my age group couldn’t afford any further financial setbacks" - Survey respondent.

Some respondents said they would cut back on spending in other areas to ensure they could afford their prescriptions. Others said that they would reduce their medication if they had to start paying for prescriptions

35% of respondents said they would cut back on other areas of spending so they could afford their prescriptions.

29% of respondents said they would stop collecting some of their prescribed medication or medical appliances (e.g., an inhaler).

22% of respondents said they would take less than their prescribed amount of medication.

Respondents expressed concern that the proposed changes might have long-term negative effects on the NHS

“If people stop using their medication because of cost, this will increase demand for the NHS and lead to further delays in A&E. For example, more staff and facilities would be needed to cope. Surely, for many people who reach 60 and have worked for over 40 years and paid National Insurance contributions during that time, a free prescription has been earned?” - Survey respondent.

You can read the full summary of responses on our website.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Neil O'Brien MP, responded to the debate. He said:

"I am grateful to the hon. Member for Gower (Tonia Antoniazzi) for opening the debate so effectively on behalf of the Petitions Committee, and I thank all Members for their constructive contributions. I also thank the 46,000 members of the public who signed the petition.

"It is important to know that over 1.1 billion prescription items are dispensed in the community each year, with nine out of 10 currently dispensed free of charge. The exemptions that allow that may be based on the patient’s age, certain medical conditions, or income.

"We estimate that if we were to make the proposed change, around 85% of 60 to 65-year-olds would be minimally affected by it. As I have just noted, more than half of them are in employment, with about another 20% retired with a private pension, so they have a higher income, while others would continue to qualify for free prescriptions on the basis of their particular conditions.

"It is also worth noting that there are extensive arrangements in place to help those who are most in need of support with prescription charges. People who are on a low income but do not qualify on the basis of an automatic exemption, such as being on universal credit, can get help through the NHS low income scheme, which provides either full or partial help with health costs on an income-related basis.

"Anyone can apply for the scheme if they or their partner, or they jointly as a couple, do not have savings, investments or property totalling more than £16,000, not including the place where they live. A person will qualify for full help with their health costs, including free NHS prescriptions, if their income is less than or equal to their requirements.

"To support those who do not qualify for an exemption due to one of the many other reasons, such as their age or their condition, or for the NHS low income scheme, prepayment prescription certificates, which were mentioned earlier in the debate, are available to help those who need frequent prescriptions to reduce the cost.

"[W]e continue to consider, long and hard, the many responses that we received [to the government consultation], trying to balance the cost of living pressures with the need for increasing funding for the NHS, and we will respond to the petition in due course. I thank hon. Members for their contributions today."