| answer text |
<p>The list of medical conditions conferring exemption from prescription charges in
England was agreed with the medical profession in 1968. The only addition to the list
was the introduction of cancer in 2009. Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, then President
of the Royal College of Physicians, was asked in 2008, to consider how this might
be extended to cover all those with a long term condition. The Department published
his report in May 2010.</p><p> </p><p>In the light of the challenging financial context,
the Government made clear in the Spending Review, published in October 2010, that
no changes would be made to the current list of medical exemption. 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>An
extensive system of exemption arrangements, including for those on low incomes who
may struggle to pay for their prescriptions, is in place which 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>
|
|
