A consultation into Tory plans to raise the age of free prescriptions closes today amid warnings that thousands of people with long term illnesses will end up in hospital.
Analysis of the Government’s own ‘impact assessment’ document by charity Age UK shows 354,000 people will be forced to ration the pills they need.
More than 2.4 million could be hit by the scheme to claw back £200 to £260 million from the sick by delaying free prescriptions from age 60 to 66.
Ministers launched a consultation in July on the plan to raise the age threshold to bring it in line with the state pension age.
The consultation closes at 11.45am today, leaving people with only hours to express their views.
Get a daily morning politics briefing straight to your inbox. Sign up for the free Mirror Politics newsletter
Over 60s currently avoid paying charges for their medicines in England, with children under 16 or teenagers in higher education also exempt.
People currently have to pay £9.35 per prescription item or £108.10 for a prepaid certificate lasting for 12 months.
The average person who doesn't regularly need medication could face paying an extra £46.75 a year, according to Government analysis.
People who need more than 12 prescriptions a year would pay an additional £130.90.
The Department of Health analysis assumes 15% of those in this age group who are no longer eligible will not fully adhere to taking their prescribed medicine.
It cites polling that suggests that as a result 46,000 people will end up in hospital because they rationed their meds.
The Royal College of GPs, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the British Geriatrics Society have joined a host of charities writing an open letter to Government opposing the change.
Caroline Abrahams, director at Age UK, said: “The money the Government raises if it goes ahead with this proposal will be easily outweighed by the additional costs to the NHS.
“Tens of thousands may require hospital treatment due to rationing what they take.
“Once we reach our early to mid-sixties many of us are advised by our doctors to take medicines that are proven to keep potentially serious health conditions safely under control.
“If the Government goes ahead with its proposal, it is clear that some people will be reluctant to act on symptoms or get a diagnosis, for fear they will be unable to afford medication.”
The letter cites data showing 52% of 60 to 64 year olds live with one or more long term conditions.
Prof Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “Many patients are already waiting longer for treatment or will have seen their health deteriorate as a result of the challenges of the last 18 months.
“This change will discourage patients who are financially less well-off from managing their health proactively, and could mean that they present to general practice when their problems are far worse and at a time when it is already at breaking point.”
Thorrun Govind, board chair at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: “The proposal to raise the age at which people can access free prescriptions from 60 to 66 means that many more people will be affected by this tax on the sick at exactly the time at which they may be needing more medicines.”
The Government is considering allowing people currently aged between 60 to 65 to continue to benefit from free prescriptions if the upper age exemption rises.
The Department of Health has previously said the age people get free prescriptions in England has not changed since 1974 for women and 1995 for men.
"We continue to protect the most vulnerable and support is available for those on a low income and those on certain benefits," a spokesperson said.
Have your say on the consultation here.
