Prescription Charges

kittylester

I say this everytime we have a thread on prescription charges. Free prescriptions for all, over whatever age, is a ridiculous concept. Lots, not all, but lots of over 60s can afford to pay for their own prescriptions.

We can and would happily do so. There are people much worse off than us, of whatever age, who can't.

And I say this every time we have a prescriptions charge thread.

If you need a prescription, it is necessary healthcare and should be free at the point of use, just like the rest of our healthcare. Just because a prescription drug is tangible, that doesn't mean you have to pay for that and not for a surgery appointment, for instance. Where do you draw the line?

Free prescriptions are a sign of an equal society and nobody should pay for them. And yes, I would pay more tax for it. I do, I live in Scotland

I agree KittyLester

I buy an annual prepayment certificate, it costs £100.

All these benefits from 60 were brought in when the retirement age (for women) was 60.

I can see no reason why the age they become available should not rise with the retirement age.

I often wonder what the English government spend the money on, I mean the money that the Scottish and Welsh governments use to provide free prescriptions. Clearly the devolved governments have less to spend in other areas so it would be interesting to see the benefits to the English taxpayer of having to pay for prescriptions.

Now the pension age has altered, it’s fairly obvious that over time, all the benefits will be reserved for those actually in receipt of their pension. Harsh, but true.

Bus passes were one. At my local leisure centre, over 60’s used to get a discounted price, but now you have to be a state pensioner to qualify.

I say this everytime we have a thread on prescription charges. Free prescriptions for all, over whatever age, is a ridiculous concept. Lots, not all, but lots of over 60s can afford to pay for their own prescriptions.

We can and would happily do so. There are people much worse off than us, of whatever age, who can't.

Would they do this as a blanket thing? Or just when new people reach 60 years?

There is an online survey you can complete, I did it when this issue was posted on Gransnet a few weeks ago.

I have tried to get this message around as some believe that as they are in receipt of free prescriptions at 60 this will continue. Not true. The government is only considering this as one option. The most likely is to charge all those over 60 to 66 for medication. Please complete the consultation. The bus pass at 60 has already been lost, now this what next?

In Wales prescriptions are free for all. I do believe that those that can pay should pay something. I now live in England and use a prescription prepayment for just over £10 per month. My monthly medication would normally be over £25.

I think it’s still free for 60 and up, but government may be considering changing it to fit in with the retirement age.

In Scotland prescriptions are free for all ages.

I must admit I was surprised when my husband did not have to pay for his regular prescription at 60 he wasn't in receipt of his pension or retired so was amazed when it was suddenly free

Thankyou, I will look too.

Thank you, I certainly will.