Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Government plans to review the list of conditions for exemption from prescription charges; and he will make an assessment of the potential merits of including (a) cystic fibrosis and (b) other life-long medical conditions in that list.

The Government has no plans to review or extend the prescription charge medical exemptions list. Approximately 89% of prescriptions are dispensed free of charge and extensive arrangements are already in place to help people, including those with cystic fibrosis and other life-long medical conditions. To support those with the greatest need who do not qualify for an exemption, they can spread the cost of their prescriptions by purchasing prescription pre-payment certificates. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just over £2 per week.