Prescription Charges

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

I'm surprised no one has brought up the increase in Prescription Charges in England. The BMA has asked the Government to abolish them as some people have to decide do I eat or pay for my pills Honestly I despair, this sort of action will only generate even more ill-feeling within the UK. I hold my hands up and say I do not want a splintered and torn apart UK. So, to the other Grapes what are your thoughts?

[bubblewrap]

If Grapes in England are on DLA/JSA pension credits or other certain benefits they are exempt from prescription charges.
Look on the back of prescription for exemptions.

[HeyWayne]

If I'm honest, I don't think we've been a "united" kingdom for a long time. Even Cornwall's had enough.

If we (tax payers/NI contributors) don't pay for prescription charges, we'll pay for it somewhere along the line.

[piskieinboots]

If we (tax payers/NI contributors) don't pay for prescription charges, we'll pay for it somewhere along the line.

I agree Wayne!

I am one such that needs a fair amount of meds - my repeat page is full - I have no problems at all paying for (twice, in fact, because I am a tax payer/NI contributor) the medication I need.

It has been discussed as long as I can remember that asthmatics (of which I am) should be given free meds as diabetics are because both are life threathening. We never have been given free meds - so be it, I prefer to pay and stay alive.

Our NHS may not be perfect (no s**t sherlock) but it is all we have and we have access to meds that many countries can only dream about.

As 'we' are supposed to be a Union - no, it isn't 'right' that we will be the only country paying for meds when the other three do not - but such is life

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

I agree about the Prescription Charges, we will pay one way or the other but it should be a level playing field. Not everyone gets free prescriptions. Hubby pays £5.60 for each one, he takes 7 different meds (we now buy a pre-payment certificate)

[selfraising]

If Grapes in England are on DLA/JSA pension credits or other certain benefits they are exempt from prescription charges.
Look on the back of prescription for exemptions.

I'm afraid that's not the case for us OH on DLA and Incapacity Benefit for Parkinsons but still doesn't get help with his prescriptions cos they take my income into account. Wouldn't mind if I was on big money but I'm only a teaching assistant!

[jackie j]

I think charges should be dropped in line with Scotland, Wales and Ireland, why should we pay if the others dont. There was a disscussion about this on GMTV the other morning I cant remember it all but they said only about 20% have to pay anyway ( I may have got this wrong ) . My OH doesnt have to pay because he is diabetic and my daughter is under age anyway so only me has to pay and thankfully I am in good health.

[piskieinboots]

...Hubby pays £5.60 for each one, he takes 7 different meds (we now buy a pre-payment certificate)

I believe it is nearer £7 per prescription here in England - I too use a pre-payment cert.

I'm afraid that's not the case for us OH on DLA and Incapacity Benefit for Parkinsons but still doesn't get help with his prescriptions cos they take my income into account. Wouldn't mind if I was on big money but I'm only a teaching assistant!

ouch! not nice hun

[Flytrap]

What annoys me is...
I'm asthmatic and need daily medication to stay alive, I pay full prescription charge even though I haven't earned a penny in two years.
My friend is diabetic but controls it with diet and takes no medication at all for the diabetes. Yet, he gets all prescriptions for whatever reason free and he earns a fortune.
Not right if you ask me.
If diabetics (and other similar) only got free prescriptions for the diabetes and had to pay for everything else, then other people, say with asthma, could get free prescriptions for their complaint at no extra cost to the state.

It's not that I mind paying but the system should be fair.

[piskieinboots]

It's not that I mind paying but the system should be fair.

Your explanation above about your diabetic pal getting ALL meds free is news to me, I mistakenly thought it was just for diabetes that no fee was payable.

So yes, not fair really

[lainey lou]

There are lots of peeps out there who would risk becoming very ill/death without their meds,
What about anti-hypertensives or anti-coagulants just as two examples, it's not just asthmatics!
Some of these drugs cost the NHS an absolute fortune.

[smallblueplanet]

Perhaps the 'cost' of free prescriptions is paid back by people visiting the doctor and having medicine prescribed, being able to take the drugs and getting better? How come other countries can 'afford' to have free prescriptions for all? Maybe it works out cheaper 'health-wise' in the end?

[daleclarke]

If Grapes in England are on DLA/JSA pension credits or other certain benefits they are exempt from prescription charges.
Look on the back of prescription for exemptions.

Not as easy as that, I have MS and DLA and still have to pay for my Prescriptions which some months can run into £70 mark... All because my wife works and I have a pension.

[BarleySugar]

It's definitely all prescriptions free for diabetics, as OH is one. The last prescription I paid for was £7.25 I think, and it's going up 20p.
Fair enough to have some conditions free, but only for that condition (and yes it would put our family costs up), but I can't understand why Scotland, Wales etc get away with not charging for so many things, not just prescriptions, but student loans etc. Doesn't the whole of the UK contribute towards these costs? So the English pay individually and through taxes.
If I've got that wrong, then sorry, and please post if you know different (but nicely please )

[piskieinboots]

Some of these drugs cost the NHS an absolute fortune.

indeed they do, which is why I am happy to pay up, they keep me well and alive