Millions of people will have access to free prescriptions taken away from them under new government plans.
The age qualification for the benefit could be raised in line with the state pension age, reports the Mirror.
This would mean more than 2.4 million people would lose access after the government launched a consultation on raising the age to 66.
Currently, people qualify for free prescriptions - which cost £9.35 per medicine - at 60.
It is estimated the move could bring in £300million for the NHS by 2026/27.
But the idea has been met with criticism from pensioner groups.
Jan Shortt, National Pensioners Convention general secretary, said: "This will have a massive negative effect on the health of pensioners who lose their free prescriptions.
"Prescription charges are not affordable if you are on low income without financial help of some kind.”
Age UK has launched a Save Free Prescriptions campaign ahead of the consultation’s closure in just over two weeks' time.
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK's charity director, said: “This proposed policy is a kick in the teeth, both for poorly older people and the NHS.
"It is also extremely ill judged because the money the Government will save will almost certainly be outweighed by the additional costs to the NHS, if people fail to take their medication because they can't afford it and become ill.”
Those on low incomes just above the benefits line are likely to be worst hit, with thousands forced to ration their medication because they cannot afford the extra cost, Age UK said.
It added scrapping free prescriptions for this age group is 'likely to exacerbate existing health inequalities' and have a 'devastating impact' on older people's health and put further pressure on the NHS.
A health department spokesman said the age people received free prescriptions in England had not changed since 1974 for women, and 1995 for men.
He added: “We continue to protect the most vulnerable and support is available for those on a low income and on certain benefits.”
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