Change free prescriptions to state pension age?

I am 81 and eligible for free prescriptions but am now finding that items that were prescribed by the hospital specialist for my chronic medical problem and was free on my prescription are now being classed as over the counter medication so I now have to pay for those.

I would rather this government saved money by not giving in to the excessive demands of trade unions, but of course that’s not going to happen.

I was surprised when - still under 60 - I was able to have free prescriptions because I'd been prescribed Thyroxin. What is even more amazing is that one of my sons, still well under 60, who also has hypothyroidism, now has free prescriptions.

I would rather this government looked after the older people in this country but they have shown that they really don't care.

I would rather this Government took something away from millionaires and billionaires, rather than people in need of medication.

annodomini

I was surprised when - still under 60 - I was able to have free prescriptions because I'd been prescribed Thyroxin. What is even more amazing is that one of my sons, still well under 60, who also has hypothyroidism, now has free prescriptions.

The whole system needs an overhaul. I was exempt for many years before I was 60 because I look thyroxine. I was told that my reduced immune system meant I'd need many medications. I didn't and was not eligible for things like free flu jabs.....quite bizarre.
The GP would give me a 6 month prescription which would've only incurred one fee if I had to pay.
To make money the pharmacy would only dispense one month at a time, so that they could claim 6 fees from the government. I was a pharmacy dispenser before computerisation and had to keep these records.
So we are still paying for "free" prescriptions through taxes etc.

It's so complicated like every other public department.

When my DH had terminal cancer we had to pay £70 a month for his medication. I was working so we managed but how many others would have been unable to afford that.

All I can say is thank heavens I don't have to pay for my prescriptions as I am on lots of meds, one of them costs the NHS over £5,000 a month.

Agree in principle but it does depend on whether 66 or 67 is medically the new 60.
Exemption of course for those on income support.

I also and even more controversially think that general eligibility for free bus passes could be moved to age 70.

Ilovecheese

I would rather this Government took something away from millionaires and billionaires, rather than people in need of medication.

... ah - but then they would all up-sticks and move to another low tax country - apparently!

Among these very very wealthy individuals are those benefactors that provide jobs - even those jobs which are so poorly paid that the State has to subsidise the employees.

So, no - that won't work I'm afraid!

The only solution is, as always, to take more from those with the least, and the 'just-about-managing' - and hit the pockets and bank accounts of people who were foolish enough to work hard and save for their retirement...

In France whenever a prescription is delivered at the pharmacy details of the drugs and their prices are printed out on the document. My asthma meds cost over £1000 euros per month. It in a way ensures that they are taken.

One English acquaintance (former holiday home here) who had breast cancer said that some of the drugs were specially prepared for her. When she went into the hospital to take she was told by the nurse that sometimes people don't keep their appointments and that the drugs are therefore wasted since they cannot be used for someone else. Perhaps knowing the cost would make people more careful about taking the drugs.

I would make them means tested just like WFA. I can’t support well off pensioners getting free medicine. Maybe an annual exemption but a lot higher than currently

Absolutely yes!

David49

I would make them means tested just like WFA. I can’t support well off pensioners getting free medicine. Maybe an annual exemption but a lot higher than currently

What constitutes a "well-off" pensioner?

... and who decides that yardstick?

Compared to someone living on a low income - virtually living hand-to-mouth - I am well-off.

My pensioner neighbour living across the road in the 5-bedroom "The Old Vicarage" thinks I am almost impoverished.

Out of interest, when is a pensioner considered “well off”? How much income per month would you consider a pensioner should have to be considered “well off”? Where would the line be drawn?

Sorry, Dickens, I’ve said just about the same as you - your post wasn’t there when I was typing 😁.

All these cuts should be brought in gradually and not suddenly withdrawn from those who have grown used to receiving them or expect to receive them soon.

Dickens

David49

I would make them means tested just like WFA. I can’t support well off pensioners getting free medicine. Maybe an annual exemption but a lot higher than currently

What constitutes a "well-off" pensioner?

... and who decides that yardstick?

Compared to someone living on a low income - virtually living hand-to-mouth - I am well-off.

My pensioner neighbour living across the road in the 5-bedroom "The Old Vicarage" thinks I am almost impoverished.

Same level as WFA, Pension Credit will be reviewed from year to year according to living costs.

Would well off be based on income, or property and such-like?

Agree.. If you are under pension age you need to pay for prescriptions. If you clinically fall into the category of free ones, they will be provided free.
A yearly prescription season ticket is worth buying, more should used this service.

I am still surprised it's free for anyone over 60's.
Means testings? How many Civil servants will that take? Can't see that working.

And...
Would people be as they are doing now with pension credits? Refusing to see if they qualify, then complaining that other people get free prescriptions, but they don't.

So pensioners who aren't eligible for pension credit are 'well off'?

The "season ticket" for prescriptions is certainly worth having, at £114.50 for a year if you needor £32.05 for three months.

" There are 3 PPC options:

a 3-month PPC costs £32.05 and will save you money if you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months
a 12-month PPC costs £114.50 and will save you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year
a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC costs £19.80 and will save you money if you need more than 2 prescribed qualifying HRT items in a year

A PPC for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) covers an unlimited number of some HRT medicines for 12 months, including if they’re prescribed for something other than menopause symptoms."

- but it does mean paying out £114.50 or £32.05 in one go. If you are on a tight budget that feels like a lot all at once! There doesn't seem to be a rate for a monthly payment.

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/save-money-with-a-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc/

AGAA4

So pensioners who aren't eligible for pension credit are 'well off'?

Two things need to change - the level at which people are eligible for Pension Credit (or the level of the basic OA Pension) and the reluctance of those who are not applying for it.
If our State Pension were at the same level as most EU ones, we would not be having this conversation. This is not a new party policy - it has been the case in the UK for many years. .

If people were getting a reasonable amount of pension there would be no need for pension credit. Those who feel uncomfortable claiming a benefit would not have to live hand to mouth.
Basic pension is not enough and as Elegran says EU pensions are better than ours.