SEARCH
Read the Prescription Charges Coalition's response to the Department of Health's plan to introduce tighter checks on exemptions from prescription charges.
Prescription Charges Coalition respond to plans to strengthen policing of prescription exemption
Crohn's & Colitis UK leads the Prescription Charges Coalition of more than 30 charities and professional organisations, which has today (30/12/14) issued the following comment:
“”
The system for prescription charge exemptions in England is confusing and makes little sense for those with long-term conditions. We are concerned that this push to clamp down on incorrect claims may unfairly penalise those who are unclear over the rules and land them with extra costs they may be able to ill-afford.
This may also cause anxiety and deter people from collecting their essential medication. Our research shows that prescription charges are already leading working age people with long-term conditions to self-ration their medication and compromise their health and ability to work.
This can result in health complications and extra costs down-the-line so is a false economy, as well as being counter to the fundamental principle of an NHS that is free at the point of need. We believe that everyone with a long-term condition in England should be exempt from prescription charges as they are in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Department of Health's plans have been extensively covered in the media, for example, BBC Online.
For information on help with health costs, please visit the NHS website.
The Prescription Charges Coalition is a group of more than 30 organisations campaigning to end unfair prescription charges for people with long-term medical conditions.
Support our call to action
Sign our petition below to end prescription charges for all long-term conditions.
Raise awareness of #prescriptioncharges and help us generate more signatures to our petition.
Please share our response and a link to the petition on Facebook and Twitter.
Read our latest news
Catch up on the latest news from Crohn’s & Colitis UK
Page
saved
This page has been saved in your personal space. Go to “My Page” to view all saved pages.
Helpline Service
Temporary closure - 10/06/2026
Our Helpline will be closed from Wednesday 10 June and will reopen at 10am on Monday 15 June.
We may be closed but we have lots of information here on our website.
If you need urgent medical advice you can call NHS 111 or in Northern Ireland phone your local Phone First. In an emergency call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
If you need emotional support the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123.
We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with Crohn’s or Colitis. But we’re with you. We can give you the right information and support at the right time.
We’re here for everyone.
How Can We Help?
- We can help you understand Crohn’s and Colitis
- Listen and talk about living with IBD
- Help you connect with others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community
- Give you contact details of specialist organisations
- We can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis and provide up-to-date, evidence-based information
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.
Stay in the loop
Together, we’re making the greatest difference. Sign up to hear about the amazing things we’re achieving together.
© Crohn's & Colitis UK