New PageSave Free Prescriptions for 60–65-year olds

Age UK has launched their #BitterPillToSwallow Campaign to save Free Prescriptions for those aged between 60 and 65.

The Government has launched a consultation on plans to move the qualifying age for free prescriptions from 60 to the State Pension age 66. Although the Government has said its preferred option is that anyone who is 60 or over when the changes are introduced won’t start paying, this change would still mean 60-65-year olds in future will have to pay for their prescriptions if they don’t qualify for certain benefits or have a medical exemption.

Age UK are deeply concerned this will have a major impact on people managing multiple serious or long-term conditions and that older people will be deterred from seeking medical attention for fear of incurring extra costs. This self-defeating policy will only put people at risk of being unable to control long-term medical conditions that if left untreated, will only add to the pressure on the NHS.

No one should be forced to choose between paying their bills or having essential medication. It’s not too late to fight back – but Age UK only have until 2nd September to flood the Department for Health’s consultation with responses.

You can respond to the Department for Health’s consultation through Age UK’s website https://campaigns.ageuk.org.uk/page/87230/action/1?ea.tracking.id=LAUK 

or you can visit www.ageuk.org.uk/savefreeprescriptions for more information.