Free prescriptions for all cystic fibrosis (CF) patients

CF patients should not have to pay for drugs that keep them alive. The Government must make all CF patients eligible for a medical exemption certificate. The exemption list was created in 1968, and CF was not included due to patients rarely living into adulthood, so cruel was the condition.

This is no longer the case. Modern medical advances have revolutionised treatment and outlooks, even so the daily fight to manage the condition is gruelling and relentless. CF patients can find it very difficult to maintain jobs due to the often incapacitating nature of the disease, causing many to live with extremely strained finances.

CF patients in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland already receive free prescriptions. English sufferers deserve nothing less than parity.

We recognise the immense difficulties faced by those living with cystic fibrosis. The Government recognises that living with a condition such as cystic fibrosis can be profoundly challenging. Cystic fibrosis is a life-limiting condition that can impact significantly on the quality of life and the life experiences of those affected and their families. Whilst there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, daily medication is essential to reduce the effect of symptoms and make the condition easier to live with.

While there are no plans to make changes to the list of medical conditions which can give rise to an exemption from prescription charges, the current exemptions mean that around 89 percent of the over 1.1 billion NHS prescription items dispensed in the community each year are provided free of charge.

Although not everyone qualifies for free NHS prescriptions, and we can appreciate that this raises some very strong feelings, a broad range of NHS prescription charge exemptions are in place in England to help those with greatest need to ensure that prescriptions are affordable for everyone. Eligibility for these exemptions depends on the person’s age; whether they are in receipt of a war pension or certain benefits or tax credits; whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth; whether they are in qualifying full-time education, or whether they have a qualifying medical condition. Partners and dependents of the person receiving certain benefits are entitled to free prescriptions too.

Additionally, people who may not be exempt but who are on a low income can seek help under the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). This scheme provides help with health costs on an income-related basis. The level of help available is based on a comparison between someone’s income and requirements at the time a claim is received, or at the time a charge was paid, if a refund is claimed. Further information on the NHS LIS, including how someone can apply, is available on the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website at: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme.