Crohn’s & Colitis UK co-chair the Prescription Charges Coalition of 40 organisations campaigning to end prescription charges for people with long-term conditions.
This increase will add further pressure on those who are already struggling to pay for prescriptions. Our research shows that people with IBD and other long-term conditions are not taking essential medication because of the cost. This can have a major impact on health, leading to emergency hospital treatment and time off work. The medical exemption list, created in 1968, is way out-of-date, with many conditions such as IBD not included. The system makes no sense and the consequences of this should not be ignored for a moment longer.
Jackie Glatter
Health Services Development Manager, Crohn's &Colitis UK
The cost of the Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) will remain unchanged. This can represent a saving if you require more than 3 prescription items over 3 months or 11 items in a year.
You are eligible to apply for a medical exemption certificate if you have a permanent fistula (for example colostomy or ileostomy) requiring continuous surgical dressing or requiring an appliance.
Prescription charges do not apply to those living in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
