Prescription Charge Exemptions  (England)

• Patients "battling cancer" will become exempt as of April 1st 2009. Patients may apply from February 9th 2009* 
• Children under 16 and full time students 16-18
• People 60 years and above
• War pensioners with certificate
• recipients of Jobseekers Allowance of Income Support
• Any partner of recipient of Pension Credit Guarantee
• Those holding exemption certificates

(* New exemption will only apply from 1st April . Further information here) 

Exemption certificates

• pregnant women until 1 year after the birth
• permanent fistulae (NB this includes renal dialysis patients)
• hypoparathyroidism
• Myaesthenia gravis
• myxoedema
• epilepsy if continuous anticonvulsant therapy is necessary
• Physical disabilities affecting mobility *
• diabetes (unless treatment is by diet alone)
• hypopituitary disorders including diabetes insipidus

(* a continuing physical disability which means they can not go out without the help of another person) 

More info about this plus prepayment certificates and other help for those on low incomes at this web page.

FS Dec 08