Having just spent £14 on my pain killer tablets and anti inflammortories, was just wondering why you dont get free prescriptions on invalidity benefit, I dont work and find the charges very expensive

Having just spent £14 on my pain killer tablets and anti inflammortories, was just wondering why you dont get free prescriptions on invalidity benefit, I dont work and find the charges very expensive

Basically, because it's a flat rate for those who have paid enough NI, and are generally expected to leave benefit after a short time. This is distinct from other benefits which are means tested, and so the income is clearly too low for the claimant to be able to pay for a script.

On Incapacity Benefit, the person claiming could be in a relationship with a millionaire, but would still receive benefit nevertheless.

I agree though, it's daft.

You need to complete an FP95 form which is available from the NHS, and allows you to get a pre-payment certificate, which can be paid for month by month by direct debit, and lasts a year. I have one myself and it's about £10 per month, and that should help you a lot.

Easiest way might be to phone the Prescription Pricing Authority on 0845 850 0030 and sort it that way, as you can sort it by debit/credit card too.

Very strange rules about who gets free prescriptions. When my OH had a serious heart complaint followed by surgery he had to pay for loads of medication, so we paid for the pre-payment certificate. Same happened last year, but because he is now over 60 - his meds are free.

Q. Why did he have to pay?
A. I was working so he didn't get means tested benefits.

Neither do I understand why some illnesses/conditions carry free prescriptions and others, which can be just as chronic or life threatening, don't. :confused:

I had a GP whose idea of fairness was to charge everyone a small amount for their prescriptions - say £1. People on benefits/pensioners would get a little bit more to cover the costs, but everyone would have to pay. As a pensioner, I'd be happy with that. She felt this would both be fairer and reduce the amount wasted, as often people who don't have to pay for anything don't value it, or realise the real cost. Of course she knew that because it appeared so fair, no government would ever adopt it. :o

In addition to what Happy Hippy says people on Incapacity Benefit or any low income may be able to get free prescriptions. Fill in a HC1 form which shoulds be avaliable from GP's chemists and the prescription pricing authority (phone number above).

In addition to what Happy Hippy says people on Incapacity Benefit or any low income may be able to get free prescriptions. Fill in a HC1 form which shoulds be avaliable from GP's chemists and the prescription pricing authority (phone number above).

No. You can't get free scripts on IB, but if you're on Income Support on grounds of disability, then you will. For IB or low incomes, do what I said before :thumbsup:

Mary, I'd imagine the reason why his meds are free now because he may receive Pension Credit. That is one of the benefits which is a 'passport' to free medication.

No. You can't get free scripts on IB, but if you're on Income Support on grounds of disability, then you will. For IB or low incomes, do what I said before :thumbsup:

Mary, I'd imagine the reason why his meds are free now because he may receive Pension Credit. That is one of the benefits which is a 'passport' to free medication.

Just being over 60 means free prescriptions. My OH still needs a few meds so its helpful. I rarely go to the doctors, so I don't use it much. ;)

No. You can't get free scripts on IB, but if you're on Income Support on grounds of disability, then you will.

That's not strictly true, HH.

Whilst a claimant on I.S would automatically be entitled to help with prescriptions, if an Incapacity Benefit claimant completes an HC1 form - it will be assessed on it's own merits in terms of income and expenditure. If the only income is I.B and the claimant has outgoings to pay, then the likelihood is that they would receive help.

It's also worth noting that people with certain medical conditions are also automatically entitled to help with prescriptions.

That's not strictly true, HH.

Whilst a claimant on I.S would automatically be entitled to help with prescriptions, if an Incapacity Benefit claimant completes an HC1 form - it will be assessed on it's own merits in terms of income and expenditure. If the only income is I.B and the claimant has outgoings to pay, then the likelihood is that they would receive help.

It's also worth noting that people with certain medical conditions are also automatically entitled to help with prescriptions.

Yes, like my son with his medication for his epilepsy

I have just found this article on the metro website from last December. It says that the pill is going to be available to women for free from pharmacists for free without prescription from this year. I think this is disgusting because I need medication for a mental health condition and I have to pay for it. At the end of the day the pill is just a lifestyle drug, women don't have to take it. I have to take my medication to keep me well.

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?Chemists_to_offer_Pill_free_over_the_ counter&in_article_id=439031&in_page_id=34&in_a_source=

The table on page 2 of this link explains who is entitled to help in paying for NHS treatment.

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/CounterFraud/Documents/hc81_combined.pdf