More than 2.4 million people could be set to lose out on free prescriptions if the Government goes ahead with plans to raise the age for free medication in line with the state pension age.
Currently anyone aged 60 or over can qualify for free prescriptions, which would normally cost £9.65 per medicine.
However, consultations began last month on the potential for moving the free prescription age up to 66, in line with the state pension age.
READ MORE: Huge market coming to Albert Dock with more than 50 local stalls
What do you think of the proposed change? Let us know in the comments below
There are fears that the change will lead to people on low income skipping medication as they are unable to afford the amount they need.
It is estimated that this move could bring in £300m for the NHS by 2026/27 however the plans have been criticised by Age UK.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director for Age UK, 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.”
The charity has launched a campaign to try and save free prescriptions for over-60s ahead of the end of the planned consultation period in two weeks.
Age UK also added that people on low income and just above the benefits line would be hardest hit by these plans.
It has been claimed that some may be forced to ration the amount of medication they can take as they will be unable to afford as much as they are currently able to take.
The issue of people being unable to afford medication was also mentioned by Jan Shortt, General Secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, who said: “(The plans) 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.”
The Department of Health has been widely criticised for the plans during this consultation period. A spokesperson for the Department has said that “We continue to protect the most vulnerable and support is available for those on a low income and on certain benefits.”
The age at which people can receive free prescriptions has been set at 60 for women since 1974, and 1995 for men.
