§ Earl Howeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What criteria for inclusion underpin the list of medical conditions eligible for an exemption from prescription charges; and [HL3545]
Whether they will add familial hyperlipidaemia to the list of medical conditions that are eligible for exemption from prescription charges; and, if not, why not. [HL3543]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)The list of medical conditions conferring exemption from prescription charges was agreed with the medical profession in 1968. Our policy is to give priority to helping people who may have difficulty in paying charges, rather than extending the exemption arrangements to people with other medical conditions, including familial hyperlipidaemia. We have no current plans to change the charging arrangements.