Campaign so far

Macmillan believes that prescription charges are a tax on illness. That's why we believe that no one should have to pay for their prescriptions. We have been campaigning across the four nations of the UK with increasing success.

 

Wales

We helped to abolish prescription charges from April 07.

 

England

Macmillan started campaigning for a fairer deal on prescription charges for cancer patients back in Summer 2005. We asked the Health Select Committee to recommend changing the prescription charges exemption system. 

At the moment people with some illnesses, such as diabetes, get their prescriptions free while most people under 60 with cancer have to pay.
The Health Select Committee recommended a review in July 2006, which the Government agreed to. We're still waiting for the launch of this review. However, the Government has already said that the outcome of the review must be "cost neutral" – this means it will refuse to consider any option that involves spending even one extra pound on the total prescriptions budget. 

We're disappointed with this approach and given the strict terms of the review, we want to ensure that no one is in a position where they cannot afford to pay for their prescriptions.  We'll be presenting the Government with policy solutions to ensure those on low incomes can get the treatment they need without having to worry about how they are going to pay for it.

Join our campaign for free prescriptions in England and help to make a difference.

 

Scotland

We pushed the Scottish Parliament to review prescription charged. From April 2008, charges for prescriptions and pre-payment certificates are being reduced yearly and are set to be abolished in April 2011.

 

Northern Ireland

We've led the campaign in Northern Ireland. In May 2007, the Health Minister committed to a review of charges. Since then we've pressed the Minister to produce his proposals, by asking Assembly members to raise the issue and by campaigning in the media. As a result, in April, the Minister announced a price-freeze on prescription charges. We await the results of this review.

If you are a cancer patient and have had difficulty paying for your prescriptions please contact campaigns@macmillan.org.uk