Government proposes that people pay prescription charges for longer
The government is proposing that people in England pay for their prescriptions until the State Pension age. Adam from our Policy team explains how this will adversely impact people with asthma and what you can do to help us to fight these changes.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been clear that some groups have been affected more than others. We know that people with asthma have faced financial hardship, with many reporting a drop in income due to coronavirus. Those on lower incomes have been affected to an even greater extent.
However, the government is proposing that people in England pay for their prescriptions for even longer, until they reach the State Pension age which is currently 66.
The government’s proposal
If you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, you don’t have to pay prescription charges. If you live in England however, you have to pay for your asthma medicines, unless you’re entitled to free prescriptions.
If you are under 16, or under 19 and in full time education, or over 60, you are automatically entitled to free prescriptions. However, the government is proposing to raise the upper age for NHS prescription charge exemptions and align it with the State Pension age which is currently 66.
This would push up the number of people with asthma paying prescription charges for longer. The State Pension age is also likely to rise again in the future – legislation is already in place to increase the age to 67 then 68 in future years.
This is putting lives at risk
There are 4.5 million people in England who are currently receiving treatment for asthma. Our research shows that three quarters of people with asthma are already struggling to afford prescription charges. We estimate that more than a million people with asthma have skipped their medication because of the cost, which is having a dramatic impact on their health. By not taking their life-saving medication, people are at risk of being hospitalised or even dying from an asthma attack.
It is utterly unfair that millions of people with asthma are paying just to breathe, especially when those with some other long-term conditions get their prescriptions for free. Asthma is often a life-long condition and it is life-threatening, so people with asthma should get their prescriptions for free to help them stay well.
The government’s proposal to raise the upper age for NHS prescription charge exemptions is a huge blow to people with asthma, many of whom have already faced enough financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Next steps
We are urging everyone who thinks these proposals are unfair to join our Stop Unfair Asthma Prescription Charges campaign.
We will also be responding to the government’s consultation to let them know how strongly people with asthma feel about their proposals.
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