Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to maintain free prescriptions for pensioners not in receipt of (a) pension credit and (b) other benefits.

In England, people aged 60 years old and over are entitled to free prescriptions. There are currently no plans to change the upper age exemption or criteria for free prescriptions due to pension credit and other qualifying benefits.

Approximately 89% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in the community in England. For pensioners aged under 60 who are not eligible for exemption from prescription charges help with their health costs may be available through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) are also available. PPCs allow people to claim as many prescriptions as they need for a set cost, with three-month and 12-month certificates available. The 12-month PPC can be paid for in instalments.