Norman Lamb – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Norman Lamb on 2016-04-20.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effect of prescription charges on people with multiple sclerosis; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Burt

We have not made an assessment of the effect of prescription charges on those with multiple sclerosis. However, there are a number of prescription charge exemptions in place, in England, for which someone with multiple sclerosis may qualify. These include exemptions based on age and low income, such as certain out of work benefits and the NHS Low Income Scheme, which support those who cannot afford to pay for their prescriptions. Where someone does not qualify for exemption, Prescription Prepayment Certificates can be purchased. The 3-month and 12-month certificates allow someone to claim as many prescriptions as they need for £29.10 and £104, respectively.