End Of Free Prescriptions For Over 60S?

[barry1010]

"The Government is considering the elimination of free prescriptions for individuals over 60 in an effort to generate over £1 billion for the NHS over the next five years. Ministers have not dismissed the possibility of this change, indicating a willingness to explore financial reforms."

Surely the government is not that stupid.

Look in your crystal balls - will it happen?

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/01/06/labour-opens-door-scrapping-free-prescriptions-over-60s-uk/

 

[bednobs]

since when is 60 elderly?

"But yest again it will be those or can ill afford it that will be hit, the ones that work just enough not to qualify for benefits.  Whilst the spongers continue to get it free."

but that's not just people over 60.  I have been disabled since my 20s and have had to pay for prescriptions for all that time.  not being able to work,, or caring for a relative is not just the preserve of those over 60.  i dont see why working age people cant pay for what they need - or are you saying that people over 60 are the spongers YMB?

[Old_Geezer]

They may have given up on being in government for more that one term. In which case "anything" is possible.

 

But we'll just have to wait and see if they want to trigger the kind of trouble that results in a public backlash, or not.

[Old_Geezer]

Interesting poll.

 

Should free prescriptions be scrapped for 60-65 years old?

Yes, it would align with the state pension age.

No, it should remain the same.

 

But failed to add

 

No, the state pension age should be lowered to align with it.

[youngmafbog]

// i dont see why working age people cant pay for what they need - or are you saying that people over 60 are the spongers YMB?//

I think you have totally mis-read what I wrote.

To be clear.

I think it is reasonable to pay for prescriptions until Standard retirement age, currently 66 then 67 ....

My point about unfairnes (yes only one point) is that once again (as per the WFA) it would be those who are on the fringe who cop it.  To me, no problem, I have plenty.  But those who earn £2.00 over the limit to get any benefit are really not rich so they will get clobbered.  Those who have never worked (and dont bang on about the diabled it is irrelevant and you know it) will continue to get it free. Not fair is it?

[Ellipsis]

> But yest again it will be those or can ill afford it that will be hit, the ones that work just enough not to qualify for benefits.

I agree.  My point is that if it's only saving £114.50 pp max, is it worth it for the agro?  Also, the universal benefit logic applies: if 60+ people avoid prescriptions for the cost saving, the chances are they'll end up getting worse and it will be a lot more expensive to deal with it. I don't see this being a policy.

[bednobs]

" But those who earn £2.00 over the limit to get any benefit are really not rich so they will get clobbered.  Those who have never worked (and dont bang on about the diabled it is irrelevant and you know it) will continue to get it free. Not fair is it"

What I'm saying is that situation right now though no matter what the government decide to do about prescriptions and people ages 60 to 67. It has been so for many years, so why the 'outcry' now?

[douglas9401]

How about doing a deal with the nation?

Remove subsidised dining, bars, jollies dressed up as working trips, dodgy expenses, sports-related freebies, jobs for the boys, gold-plated pensions and all the rest for our masters, then get back to us about prescriptions.

 

[New Judge]

"Will the illegal immigrants be given free medicine and the lifestyle choice benefits claimants?"

Well they get priority access at A&E:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/03/priority-nhs-services-migrants/

(Press “escape” as the page loads)

“Under a scheme called 987 Inclusion Health, patients within those categories needing an “urgent” assessment can ask for an appointment at A&E and be bumped up the queue on arrival. After initial tests, they are taken directly to a consultant for a “more thorough evaluation”.

The initiative is aimed at patients who “struggle to attend A&E due to the long delays waiting to be seen”. And it is just one of several schemes set up across the UK focusing specifically on helping migrants arriving here to get better access to healthcare.”
 

[vulcan42]

One thing they could look at is who is giving, who is getting and what they are getting. A friend of mine, who is a friend of the local GP gets everything under prescriptions. The latest freebee's have been ordinary plasters and indigestion tablets.