Prescription charges abolished for cancer patients
pharmafile | January 23, 2009 | News story | Sales and Marketing |Â Â NHS, hcÂ
Cancer patients in England can now apply for free NHS prescriptions, potentially saving individuals up to £100 each year.
The scheme should benefit up to 150,000 people who are suffering from cancer and its effects, including problems brought on by the treatment itself.
The abolition of charges in this therapy area is expected reduce prescription income by around £15 million per year.
The free prescriptions will be available from April 1. Patient groups reacted positively to the news, with Cancer Research UK urging patients to register as soon as possible.
Catherine Foot, head of policy development, said: "Free prescriptions for patients will help reduce the financial burden for the tens of thousands of people who struggle with the heavy cost of having cancer."
Ciaran Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "This was absolutely the right thing to do. Cancer not only threatens your life, but can also make you poor."
Application forms, which are available at GP surgeries and oncology clinics, need to be countersigned by a GP, hospital doctor or service doctor.
People who do not submit application forms in time for the March 24 deadline may be able to seek a refund for prescriptions they pay for after the scheme comes into operation.
A five-year exemption certificate – which can be renewed as many times as necessary – covers all of cancer patients' prescriptions, and not just those relating to their primary illness.
"This new scheme gives people living with cancer one less worry at such a difficult time," said public health minister Dawn Primarolo.
"I would urge patients to make an appointment with their GP from this week to talk about applying for their exemption certificate. Free prescriptions will transform the lives of thousands of people living with cancer who were struggling to pay for drugs."
The government plans to extend the free prescription scheme to all patients with long-term conditions – a move which it is thought would exempt millions of patients from charges.
Patients in England can currently buy prescription prepayment certificates: a three-monthly one costs £27.85, saving money if patients need more than 3 items in 3 months.
A 12-month certificate costs £102.50 and is worthwhile if more than 14 items are needed in 12 months.
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