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Prescription charges in England are set to rise again on 1 April
Prescription charges in England set to rise again
On 1 April 2018, prescription charges in England are set to rise to £8.80. This is despite 1 in 3 people with a long-term condition not taking their medication properly due to the cost.
Crohn’s & Colitis UK co-chair the Prescription Charges Coalition, a network of 40 organisations campaigning to end prescription charges for people with long-term conditions.
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This price increase will add more pressure on people who already find it difficult to pay for prescriptions. Our research shows that people with Crohn’s, Colitis and other long-term conditions are not taking essential medication because of the cost. This can have a major impact on health, leading to flares, complications and emergency hospital treatment as well as time off work.
Research by the Coalition over the past five years has shown that, despite welcome cost-saving measures like the Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC), many people who require regular medication to manage their condition and keep them well, still really struggle to pay for the medication.
Prescription charges are increasing by 20p from £8.60 to £8.80. The cost of the annual Prescription Prepayment Certificate remains frozen at £29.10 for 3 months and £104 for 12 months.
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The medical exemption list, created in 1968, is extremely out-of-date, with many conditions such as Crohn’s and Colitis not included. The system makes no sense and the consequences of this should not be ignored for a moment longer.
Help reduce the burden on those who are struggling to pay for the medication they need by signing the Prescription Charges Coalition’s petition calling on the Government to review and reform this old and unfair system.
- Find out more about Prescription Prepayment Certificates and other help with health costs.
- If you have a permanent fistula, such as a colostomy or ileostomy, you are eligible for medical exemption – find out about how to claim medical exemption.
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