Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of providing permanent Medical Exemption Certificates to those with verified lifelong chronic conditions.

No assessment has been made. We currently have no plans to expand the prescription charge medical exemption list to include all those with a verified lifelong condition or to provide those that currently qualify for a medical exemption with a permanent exemption. Medical exemption certificates are valid for a period of five years as although many of the conditions on the list are life-long, some can resolve over time and the patient’s entitlement should be reviewed by their clinician periodically.

For those ineligible for an exemption on medical grounds, arrangements are in place to assist with the affordability of National Health Service prescriptions, including exemptions for which people with life-long chronic conditions may already qualify. Approximately 89% of NHS prescription items are dispensed in the community free of charge. To support those who do not qualify for a medical exemption, the cost of prescriptions can be capped by purchasing a prescription pre-payment certificate, which can be paid for in instalments. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just over £2 per week.