CAS calls for prescription charges to be axed for those on incapacity benefit

PRESS RELEASE

Prescription charges are forcing people on very low incomes to make tough financial choices between their health and other necessities, Citizens Advice Scotland has warned.

In a briefing sheet sent to all Scottish MPs and MSPs today, CAS says the current system of exemptions from charges is complex and inconsistent and specifically calls for people on incapacity benefit to be exempt.

According to a recent CAS report, Paying the Price, less than a third of Citizens Advice Bureau clients on sickness or disability benefits were exempt from prescription charges, despite being on a very low income and not working because of a health complaint.

“The present system of prescription charges places a disproportionate burden on this client group,” said chief executive Kaliani Lyle. “It is difficult to see how this can be properly addressed unless they are exempted.

“The basic prescription charge is currently £6.65, but even as a one-off payment this can be a significant amount for someone on incapacity benefit.  And the problem is worse if they require multiple or repeat prescriptions because of chronic, complex or severe health conditions.”

The briefing sheet points out that the NHS low income scheme, under which people can apply to be exempt because of poverty, is withdrawn as soon as applicants rise above income support level.  After this cut-off point, they become liable for all their prescription costs.  And pre-payment certificates - that effectively cap the cost of prescriptions for a time-limited period - are not accessible for those on low incomes as they require payment upfront.

NHS spending is a devolved issue whilst the benefits system remains reserved to Westminster.  The Scottish Executive is reviewing prescription charges and is expected to announce its conclusions in autumn.  The Department of Work and Pension, meanwhile, has embarked on a major reform of the welfare system, and incapacity benefit in particular.

“We are calling on MPs and MSPs to work together to ensure that people on Incapacity Benefit, and its replacement Employment Support Allowance, will be automatically entitled to free prescriptions,” said Ms Lyle.

In its briefing sheet, CAS points to research by health union UNISON that shows 75,000 prescriptions are not dispensed each year in Scotland due to cost.

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