Anyone else think something should be done about students paying for prescriptions etc.

[PositiveAttitude]

I cannot believe that this has not come up yet with all the politicians vying for votes.

I have 2 DDs at uni - both live on a pittance and earn money from jobs to be able to live away from home. They both have student loans. Neither can afford to go to a dentist, or pay for prescriptions. We are on a very low income, but I do help out when needed.

Also, these apprenticeships are all well and good, but rubbish money for terrible hours and DS (apprentice chef) is also expected to pay for dentist and prescriptions. (plus the child benefit & tax credits stops when a teenager does an apprenticeship because they are then supposedly earning enough to contribute to the family home......really????????)

Anyone else think this is unfair?

quite honestly....?
I live in a university town and do not think that most of these students are short of a bob or two. From what I see and hear I think your dd's are in a minority.
Also why do uni students have to live away from home at vast expense when they could go to their local uni?

Your dd's can apply for exemption through the low income scheme which is available to Uni students.

oh yes I used to do that as a student.
Alternatively have them transfer their studies to Wales where prescriptions are free.

They can apply for an exemption card- the form can be obtained through university, accessed from the government web site or can often be obtained via a doctor/dentist or optician. It is means tested. Not all students are poor so this helps those who actually need it.

Sunny - I live on an island with no uni.....no option but to move away, unfortunately.

Thanks for the info about the exemption cards - I will tell them about that. Sorry, I really didnt know that.

They can apply for an excemption certificate.

Tbh I think people with chronic health problems having to pay is a bigger issue tbh

Prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland, so I'd be really pissed off if I lived elsewhere in the UK and my DC were at uni and had to pay.

Go to your local surgery and speak with your preferred councillor about this OP. More people should be raising this in rUK.

They can apply for. Hc2 certificate any pharmacy should have the forms