<p>There are no current plans to make an assessment and no specific assessment has been made on the impact of prescription charges. Approximately 89% of prescription items are currently dispensed free of charge and there are a wide range of exemptions from prescription charges already in place for which those with long term conditions may meet the eligibility criteria and be in receipt of free prescriptions.</p><p>In addition, those on a low income can apply for additional support through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This provides both full and partial help with a range of health costs, not just prescription charges. Those who do not qualify for low-income help may benefit from the purchase of a prescription pre-payment certificate. This caps the cost of prescriptions at £111.60 per year, helping people to get all the medicines they need for just over £2 a week.</p>