Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if the Government will (a) review the list of conditions for exemption from prescription charges and (b) include (i) cystic fibrosis and (ii) other serious life-long debilitating medical conditions that do not currently qualify for free prescriptions as part of that review.

The Government has no plans to review or extend the prescription charge medical exemptions list. Around 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.