Prescription charges for over 60’s

[salcombebabe]

If you’re 60 or over and don’t agree with having to pay for prescriptions (which Boris wants us to in the very near future!) then please sign this!

I’ve put in AIBU for traffic.

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/594390

@TequilaBlaze how is this the luckiest generation ? Some may of done ok but not all, mortgage rates early 80's were really high and many handed back there keys
Also women had their retirement aged moved hugely with not a lot of warning

this is the type of thing I'm talking about. I see some people walking out the pharmacy with big bags full.

Or the person is very sick. I collect for my parents and I do wonder what people think of me.

However I agree with the majority, should be on income not age.

[quote LaDoIceVita]@girlmom21 I'm DM's carer - my income is Carer's Allowance plus a bit from some freelance work. I did say that I'm not personally bothered about paying the charges, I was pointing out how generally unfair the system is.[/quote]
To me that's proof that carers deserve much more 'allowance' than they get! It's a disgrace that you're given such a small amount of money for something that, for a lot of people, requires much more commitment than a full time job.

Sorry for prying.

I think it should be in line with State pension age. I would however sign a petition to award free prescriptions to people on Carers Allowance, currently the princely sum of £67.60 PW for providing a minimum of 35 hours care.

@girlmom21 No worries - it was a reasonable question and I didn't see it as prying Yes, CA is disgraceful. I'm very lucky that we can live comfortably on DH's salary and that I don't need to try and go out to work as well as being a carer. Plus, if you dare to earn too much, you lose CA anyway. It's a terrible struggle for many people.

@LaDoIceVita

Many over 60's can afford to pay while many under 60's can't. Only those who need them should get free prescriptions.

Absolutely

Why would someone of working age need free prescriptions? It should be raised to state pension age.

Because someone of working age might have a lower income than someone of state pension age?

@nokidshere

Why would someone of working age need free prescriptions? It should be raised to state pension age.

Because someone of working age might have a lower income than someone of state pension age?

Which would be the case far before the age of 60

I care for my dh , we are both 60 . He gets lower rate pip, and for caring for him I get carers allowance . We do not quality for universal credit ( before he was ill we used our savings to pay of mortgage )
We can't work because of his disability , and I need to care for him . His prescriptions are over £70 a month . Mine are about £40 .
It was a great relief when we became 60 and no need to pay for prescriptions . Yes agree you can buy pre prescription vouchers , but even 2 x £10 a month is a lot . We don't have holidays , don't buy new clothes etc .
Of course I do realise there are younger people who are in need of help as well , but for us , where we are / what we have now is it . No hope of a better job , or pay rise . Not all 60 years olds are on high salaries or able to claim a benefit that gives them free prescriptions.

His prescriptions are over £70 a month . Mine are about £40

You don't need to meet any threshold to get a prepayment prescription. You just buy it once a year. And would be less that two months of meds for your DH.

www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/prescription-prepayment-certificates-ppcs

@FourTeaFallOut
Yes but even 2 x prescription repayments is a lot for us.

But if you got the three monthly one so two lots of £30 that's less than your dh's current monthly prescription costs.

3 months is £30.25 per person.

@FourTeaFallOut

But if you got the three monthly one so two lots of £30 that's less than your dh's current monthly prescription costs.

It's still a lot of money for them with minimal income. She's just said they're both over 60 now but this is the issue. Those of us in a fortunate position going "oh well they don't cost much so why can't you just pay £10 a month or £30 a quarter". They can't pay what they don't have.

Month 1 get 2x£30.25 =60.50 ...you've saved £40 in month 1.

Months 2&3 are at £0 and you have saved £220. And then buy 2 lots of annuals scripts.

My dh is under 60, , I’m over 60, my dm is mid 80s and her dh is 80.
Dh has ongoing prescription for blood pressure, pays for 2 prescriptions every 3 months. I don’t have regular prescriptions, but have had 4 different things this last year for free. Dm and her dh have lots of meds! All feee.
Dh earns £1500 a month, I earn (with my pension) £2000 a month. Dm and her dh have a monthly joint income of £4000 a month. The only one of us paying is the lowest earner. That’s not fair.

@LaDoIceVita

Many over 60's can afford to pay while many under 60's can't. Only those who need them should get free prescriptions.

I agree

carer's allowance is less than £10 a day.
nothing free comes with it.
getting free prescriptions when aged over 60 was a little help.
once they receive state pension, the carer's allowance is withdrawn, even though the caring role continues.

I'm 63 and get free prescriptions. I'd happily pay for them, I'm still working and when I retire I'll have a good pension. It's ridiculous so many get their medication free. Time for a rethink.

Both my parents and step parents are 70's/80's. One a retired GP, one a retired teacher. So good pensions. All receive monthly pensions almost double what I earn working for the NHS. All happy to pay for their prescriptions. Sometimes I have to live off rice for a few days before payday. If anyone needs help with prescriptions in the people on low wages not the ones with pensions, second homes and no mortgage.

@LaDoIceVita

Many over 60's can afford to pay while many under 60's can't. Only those who need them should get free prescriptions.

This

I won't be signing it, I'm 63 and would be quite happy paying for prescriptions, DH is 60 and he got the yearly one as he had 2 regular prescriptions, he would also be quite happy to pay

@Soontobe60

My dh is under 60, , I’m over 60, my dm is mid 80s and her dh is 80. Dh has ongoing prescription for blood pressure, pays for 2 prescriptions every 3 months. I don’t have regular prescriptions, but have had 4 different things this last year for free. Dm and her dh have lots of meds! All feee. Dh earns £1500 a month, I earn (with my pension) £2000 a month. Dm and her dh have a monthly joint income of £4000 a month. The only one of us paying is the lowest earner. That’s not fair.

Madness isnt it?!

I work as a Community nurse and regularly see older folk with way way too much stock of medication. So much so I ring their GP and tell them to stop their repeat prescriptions. Nobody needs 20 inhalers all at once!

Full disclosure to those sending me suggestions of pre pay prescriptions.
Low rate pip £60
Support group as a £114.10
Carers allowance £67.60 = £241. 70 a week . For 2 people.
So pre paid prescriptions . As op said is £ 30.25 per person x 2 so £ 60.50 x 4 = £226. A year.