An increase in prescription charges in UK
Mar 11, 2005 - 4:00:00 PM
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"We have held the increase to 10 pence for the seventh consecutive year, well below the rate of inflation to ensure that people can get the prescriptions they need, at prices they can afford. Through our extensive exemption arrangements, 86 per cent of prescription items are dispensed free, with another 5 per cent dispensed to people with prepayment certificates at no additional charge"
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By DOH, UK,
[RxPG] An increase in prescription charges of 10p was announced today by Health Minister Rosie Winterton with the charge for a single prescription item rising to £6.50 on 1 April 2005.
The changes to NHS charges are:
* The cost of prescription prepayment certificates will rise 50p to £33.90 for a 4 month certificate, and increase £1.40 (to £93.20) for a 12 month certificate
* The maximum patient charge for a single course of dental treatment will increase from £378 to £384, applicable to only two in every 1,000 courses of treatment
* To help those on low incomes and those with complex sight problems, with the cost of glasses or contact lenses, optical voucher values will rise by 2.5 per cent
Rosie Winterton said:
"We have held the increase to 10 pence for the seventh consecutive year, well below the rate of inflation to ensure that people can get the prescriptions they need, at prices they can afford. Through our extensive exemption arrangements, 86 per cent of prescription items are dispensed free, with another 5 per cent dispensed to people with prepayment certificates at no additional charge.
"This modest increase will contribute £452 million towards the cost of the NHS."
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Additional information about the news article
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1. The new regulations apply to England. The arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are a matter for their Devolved Administrations.
2. The prescription charge will go up 10 pence in cash from £6.40 to £6.50.
3. The prescription charge increase is the same as in the previous six years and the other increases are in line with this percentage increase.
4. Prescription charges are expected to raise £452 million for the NHS in 2005 - 2006.
Around 50 per cent of population are entitled to free prescriptions including: · Men and women aged 60 and over
· Children under 16
· Young people aged 16, 17 and 18 who are in full time education
· Pregnant women and women who have had a child in the previous 12 months and who hold a valid exemption certificate
· People who hold a valid exemption certificate for a War Disablement but only in respect of medication for the disablement
· People suffering from certain medical conditions and who hold a valid exemption certificate
· People or their partners who get: Income Support; Pension Credit guarantee credit; or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance tax credit where income is £15,050 per year or less and meet qualifying conditions.
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