Major change to NHS prescriptions as price freeze will save patients £18million – are you affected?

MILLIONS of patients across England are set to save cash at the chemist as ministers freeze NHS prescription charges for the first time in three years. The move, announced today, means the cost of a single prescription will stay at £9.90 – still under a tenner – offering a lifeline to struggling households.

Advertisement 1 NHS prescription costs will be frozen for the first time in three years Credit: AP It’s expected to save patients £18 million over the next year, with ministers claiming it’s part of a bigger plan to ease the cost of living squeeze. Prescription prepayment certificates – including the annual pass – are also staying put price-wise, letting people spread payments to just over £2 a week. The freeze lands weeks after a record £617 million investment was pledged to boost community pharmacies across the country.



Health Secretary Wes Streeting said it was all part of the government’s “Plan for Change” and putting “money back into people’s pockets.” Advertisement READ MORE HEALTH NEWS OPEN WIDE How your MOUTH can predict your risk of dementia - and 9 ways to combat it FIZZ FEARS What’s in your energy drink? The ingredients to AVOID and the ones that are OK He added: “Fixing our NHS will be a long road – but by working closer with our pharmacies we’re saving money and shifting care to the community where it’s closer to your home. “We made the difficult but necessary choices at the Budget to fund moves like this and change our NHS so it can once again be there for you when you need it.

” Chancellor Rachel Reeves backed him up, saying the prescription price freeze was made possible by “tough but necessary choices” in the recent Budget. She claimed the government is “delivering for all” and giving the NHS a £26 billion shot in the arm. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive ROAD TO RUIN My brain spilled on the street after I made common mistake on dream lads' trip CANCER FEARS Major concerns over growing number of asbestos fibres in Scots drinking water Exclusive FIZZ FEARS What’s in your energy drink? The ingredients to AVOID and the ones that are OK Investigation DEMON DEALERS The sick black market abortion trade where deadly pills are flogged to Brits Campaigners welcomed the news, with Asthma + Lung UK saying it’s a “welcome first step” for patients with long-term conditions.

The freeze won’t affect the majority of prescriptions already given out for free – including those to pensioners, kids, pregnant women, and people with certain medical issues. Around 89% of prescriptions in England don’t cost a penny anyway, but this move targets the working public caught in the squeeze. The NHS Low Income Scheme is also still in place for those struggling the most, offering extra help with medical costs.

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