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Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith MPLiberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Berwick Upon TweedWorking for you and the Berwick upon Tweed Constituency all year roundin Northumberland and in Westminster |
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Don't miss out on help with prescription costs, says MP Sir Alan Beith
December 21, 2009 11:30 AM
People should make sure they are not missing out on free or reduced-cost prescriptions, says Sir Alan Beith MP.
Sir Alan Beith MP wants to remind people that if they are on low incomes or are receiving state benefits, they may be able to get help with prescription costs.
Research conducted by the Northumberland Citizens Advice Bureaux has found that some people are doing without vital medication, or instead are paying for their prescriptions at the expense of something else such as food, fuel or other household bills.
After hearing about the problem, Sir Alan has contacted Northumberland Care Trust and asked them to ensure the message is getting out to patients that help is available. He said
"I was appalled by some of the stories in the CAB research and want to help raise awareness about eligibility for free prescriptions and the pre-payment certificate.
"People should not have to think of vital medication as a luxury or have to choose between medication and food or other everyday necessities."
Rachel Turnbull, Social Policy Development Officer for the Northumberland CABx said
"We see many people who are living on a low income and who are really struggling with the costs of their prescriptions.
"This is particularly a problem for people who are solely dependent on incapacity benefit, disability living allowance, or contribution based employment and support allowance. People in receipt of these benefits are in poor health and are more likely to require a large number of prescriptions, but do not automatically qualify for free prescriptions."
The CAB is pressing the government to make prescriptions free for people in receipt of sickness related benefits. At the same time, they want to ensure that people are aware of the help that is available to them when paying for their prescriptions.
Firstly, the CAB recommends checking whether or not you are eligible for free prescriptions - this could be because of your age, your receipt of benefits or because you suffer from a particular illness which is on the current list of exemptions. This has included cancer patients since 1 April 2009.
If you do not qualify for free prescriptions, but are on a low income, you may be entitled to full or partial help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. The scheme covers NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests, glasses and contact lenses, wigs and fabric supports and travel to receive NHS treatment.
For people who require a large number of prescriptions, money can be saved with a pre payment certificate (PPC). These cost £28.25 for 3 months which is paid in one lump sum or £104 for 12 months, which can be spread over 10 monthly direct debit payments. Patients can use these to get as many prescriptions as required. They are financially worthwhile if more than 15 items a year or 4 items in three months are needed.
For more information on help with health costs go to www.adviceguide.org.uk or contact your local CAB.
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