HC Deb 10 March 1989 vol 148 cc65-6W
Mr. David Porter

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list all the categories of people entitled to free prescriptions; and if he will make a statement on whether he has any plans to change the system.

Mr. Mellor

The following categories of people are entitled to exemption from NHS prescription charges:

  1. (a) Children under 16.
  2. (b) Young people aged under 19 who are in full-time education.
  3. (c) Women aged 60 or over, and men aged 65 or over.
  4. (d) People receiving Income Support or Family Credit, and their dependents.
  5. (e) People who qualify for exemption from NHS charges on low income ground, and their dependents.
  6. (f) Expectant mothers, or women who have had a baby within the last 12 months.
  7. (g) Patients with a continuing physical disability which prevents him or her leaving home without the help of another person.
  8. (h) Patients who have a permanent fistula which requires a continuous surgical dressing or an appliance.
  9. (i) Patients who suffer from epilepsy requiring continuous anti-convulsive therapy.
  10. (j) Patients who suffer from one of the following disorders for which specific substition therapy is essential
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Myxodema (hypothroidism
  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • Diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism
  • Addison's disease or other forms of hypoadrenalism
  • Myasthenia gravis.

In addition, war and Ministry of Defence disablement pensioners do not have to pay prescription charges for medication which is prescribed for their accepted disability.

We have no present intentions to make any alterations to the scheme.

Forward to