NHS prescription charges in England frozen for first time in 3 years

NHS prescription charges in England are being frozen for the first time in three years.

This means the cost of a single prescription will stay at £9.90.

Three-month and annual prescriptions prepayment certificates will also be frozen for the next year, at £32.05 and £114.50 respectively.

Annual charges can be made in instalments, so people who need regular medicines can get them for just over £2 a week.  

Meanwhile, people who currently don’t have to pay their prescription will continue to be exempt, including pensioners, students and those who get qualifying benefits including universal credit.

Patients will save £18m next year

Health secretary Wes Streeting said the freeze on prescription charges will “put money back into the pockets of patients”.

In fact, the government believes the move will save patients around £18 million next year.

“Fixing our NHS will be a long road,” Mr Streeting commented.

“But by working closer with our pharmacies, we’re saving money and shifting care to the community where it’s closer to your home.”

Check if you’re eligible for free prescriptions

Anyone with certain medical conditions can apply for a medical exemption certificate. 

You can find the full list on the NHS site.