Free NHS prescriptions for the over 60s could be scrapped in England from April 1.
This comes at the same time as a potential increase in prescription prices from their current rate of £9.35.
The UK Government announced last year it planned to increase the qualifying age for free prescriptions in England from 60 to 66 years old - in line with State Pension age.
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It is said many people aged 60 to 65 still remain in employment and can afford to meet the cost.
But Age UK called plans to end free NHS prescriptions for the over 60s in England a "bitter pill to swallow for millions”.
Prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland and Wales - and Age UK director Caroline Abrahams said the principle should be extended to England, too.
The qualifying age for free prescriptions in England could be raised April 1, the same day that prescription charges typically increase, according to The Express.
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Whilst this has not been confirmed, it is causing confusion over which fees are waived and who is eligible.
At present in England, you can get free NHS prescriptions if you fall in to one of the following groups:
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Aged 60 or over
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Under 16
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Aged 16 to 18 in full time education
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Pregnant or have had a baby in the past 12 months
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An NHS inpatient
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Have a specific condition or disability with a valid medical exemption certificate
You are also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive, or you're under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:
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Income Support
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income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
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income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
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Universal Credit (and meet the criteria)
If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can check your free prescription eligibility here.
Last year on April 1 the cost of prescriptions in England rose by 20p from £9.15 to £9.35 in line with inflation.
At the time, the Prescription Charges Coalition dubbed the increase as a "tax on health" and said on its current trajectory the charge could hit £10.15 by 2025.
The so-called “tax on health” is not the only possible change to budget for.
Over the next few months, the country could see tax and price hikes, as income tax bills, National Insurance, energy prices, council tax and rail fares all become more punitive, warned Sarah Coles, senior personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.
Quoted by The Express, she said: “At the moment there’s no charge for over 60s but that could soon change. If it does, it would drag millions of people into having to pay for essential medicines.”
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