At the moment, most people with IBD in England who work, have to pay for their medicines. This is because the exempt list of conditions which qualifies for free prescriptions is limited, unfair and out of date. Prescriptions are currently free of charge in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
We know that the extra cost of paying for prescriptions can be a barrier to people taking their medication as prescribed, which can have serious consequences for people’s health. As part of the Prescription Charges Coalition, we’re campaigning for all people with long-term conditions to receive free prescriptions in England.
In our charity wide survey last year, you told us that free prescriptions was the third most important policy change that would have the biggest impact on your life.
Next year in June 2018, the list that decides who can be medically exempt from paying prescription charges will be 50 years old. To help our campaign, the Coalition needs up-to-date information about the impact that prescription charges are having on people with IBD living in England.
Whether you’re affected by this at the moment, or have been in the past, please help us build the case for change by completing the survey and sending it on to anyone else you think might be affected.
You can find out more about the campaign, including previous research reports and campaigning activities, at the Prescription Charges Coalition website.