Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2019 to Question 226472 on Asthma: Prescriptions, what the prescription charge exemptions are for which someone with asthma may qualify.

Extensive arrangements are already in place to help people afford National Health Service prescriptions. These include a broad range of prescription charge exemptions, for which someone with asthma may qualify.

An individual can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, they:

- are 60 or over;

- are under 16;

- are 16 to 18 and in full-time education;

- are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx);

- have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx);

- have a continuing physical disability that prevents them going out without help from another person and have a valid MedEx;

- hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability; and

- are a NHS inpatient.

Individuals are also entitled to free prescriptions if they or their partner receive, or are under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:

- Income Support;

- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance;

- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance;

- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit; and

- Universal Credit and meet the criteria.

Or are entitled to or named on:

- a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate for Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both), and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less.

For those on a low income, people may be eligible for full or partial help with prescription charges through application to the NHS Low Income Scheme.

To support those with greatest need who do not qualify for an exemption or the NHS Low Income Scheme, prescription prepayment certificates are available. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just £2 per week.