In her latest column, Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner writes about the government's proposal to make changes to the exemption rules for NHS prescription charges.

Recently, I have received a lot of correspondence about the government’s proposal to make changes to the exemption rules for NHS prescription charges and bring these into line with the State Pension Age.

As things stand, prescriptions are free for over-60s in England, but the age limit would rise to 66 under the outlined plans.

The Prescriptions Charges Coalition (PCC) - a group of 51 health charities and campaign groups - are concerned this will gravely affect those on lower incomes, particularly those with long-term conditions.

My greatest fear is that people will skip vital medication because they simply cannot afford to prioritise it over energy bills and feeding their families.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for everyone, but in England, the cost of a single prescription has risen by 30 per cent since 2010 to £9.35.

This is a huge burden on so many people, especially those living with long-term conditions, who are forced to spend hundreds of pounds each year on the medication that they cannot live without.

An impact assessment carried out by the government found, unsurprisingly, people on lower incomes will be most severely affected by this policy, and I am worried that people skipping medication could lead to future health problems resulting in major problems for our already overstretched NHS.

At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, the government must consider what more it can do to support people with essential costs, such as prescription medication.

The consultation closed in September 2021 and the government are currently analysing feedback before they consider their next steps.

Tackling widening health inequalities is an absolute priority for me. We know that the cost of prescriptions puts people off taking the medicine they need. Not only do people suffer illnesses and the effects of illnesses more than they need to but, in the long term, it costs the NHS more money because those people who don’t take their medicines present with even more serious conditions later on.

It’s simply not fair that people should have to make choices about their health based on their ability to pay.

No one should be forced to choose between paying for their prescription and risking their lives.

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