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Prescriptions: Fees and Charges

Asked by Ian RoomeLiberal DemocratDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 18 August 2026UIN 18253

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department periodically reviews the eligibility criteria for Medical Exemption Certificates granting free NHS prescriptions; and on what basis those criteria are chosen.

Answered by Mr James Frith

We keep all policies under regular review. This Government is also continuing to take action to make prescriptions more affordable for everyone, including freezing prescription charges for the 2026/27 financial year, both for single prescriptions and the three month and annual prescription prepayment certificates commonly used for long-term conditions.

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