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<p>In 2010, responding to Professor Sir Ian Gilmore's review into extending entitlement
to free prescriptions to all those with a long-term condition, the Government made
clear that in light of the challenging financial context, no changes would be made
to the current list of exemptions. Prescription charges in England raise valuable
income, in the region of £450 million each year, which helps the National Health Service
to maintain vital services for patients.</p><p> </p><p>The extensive system of exemption
arrangements, including for those on low incomes who may struggle to pay for their
prescriptions, which is in place means that around 90% of all prescription items are
already dispensed free of charge. Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs) are
also available for those who have to pay NHS prescription charges and need multiple
prescriptions. This is the fifth year the cost of an annual certificate, and the third
year the cost of a three month certificate, have been frozen. Both certificates will
also remain at £104 and £29.10 respectively, next year. There is no limit to the number
of items that can be obtained through a PPC. The annual certificate benefits anyone
needing more than 12 items a year, and the three month certificate anyone needing
more than three items in that three month period.</p>
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