People aged 60 and over can currently get their prescriptions for free on the NHS in England.

But back in 2021, the Government launched a consultation looking at whether this free prescription age should increase to align with the state pension age – currently 66 for men and women, but set to rise in the future.

Estimates at the time by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) suggested that raising the age for free prescriptions would save the NHS between £198m and £257m a year.

But the proposal was met with criticism and concern that older people – particularly those needing multiple medicines to manage serious long-term health conditions – would be unable to afford medication, thereby increasing hospital admissions.

For the nation’s army of carers who may have already given up work or have very limited income, they would be especially impacted by such a move, Age UK warned.

But today, the DHSC confirmed prescriptions will continue to be free for anyone aged 60 or older as it takes into account the current cost of living and the increased medical needs due to an ageing population.

Minister for health, Neil O’Brien, said: “This Government recognises the pressures with the cost of living caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That’s why we are providing cost of living help worth £3,300 on average per household over last year and this, among the most generous help anywhere in Europe.

“It’s also why we have decided to maintain the prescription exemption age where it is. Nine out of ten prescriptions are already free at the point of use and on top of that we also provide financial help to others on low incomes who don’t automatically get prescriptions for free.”

Do you need to pay for your prescription?

Only people living in England pay for prescriptions – they are free in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Those aged under 16 or aged 17 and 18 but in full time education and people in receipt of certain benefits can also receive free prescriptions. Those with a valid medical exemption certificate for certain conditions also don’t need to pay.

People on a low income who do not qualify for an automatic exemption can also seek help under the NHS Low Income Scheme.

But if you do not qualify for an exemption or the NHS Low Income Scheme, you could consider a prepayment certificate (PPC). Think of it as a prescription season ticket which covers all the prescriptions needed for an individual in a set time period. PPCs offer savings for those needing four or more items in three months, or 12 or more items in a year.

The price of the three-month PPC rose by £1 from £30.25 to £31.25 in April. The 12-month PPC increased by £3.50 from £108.10 to £111.60.

Last year prescription charges were frozen for the first time in 12 years due to consideration of the cost-of-living crisis. However, this April the charge rose from £9.35 to £9.65 per item.

According to DHSC, approximately 40% of the population are currently liable to pay the prescription charge though around 89% of the items dispensed are free of charge.

Of the 11% of items paid for, 5% are paid for via the single charge at the point of dispensing and 6% are covered by the PPC.