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Free prescriptions at 60? (England)

Hi guys, mum just turned 60, has regular prescriptions etc. Anyway, I thought free prescriptions were one of the perks of being state pension age so assumed with all the changes now she wouldnt be eligible till 62 (I know thats still the case with the the bus pass) but on the prescriptions sites like this :

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/Over50HealthAndWellBeing/SupportAndYourEverydayHealth/DG_10030615

and

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Prescriptioncosts.aspx

You can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you:
  • are 60 or over
Are saying 60. Have they just not bothered replacing 60 with state pension age after the changes or will my mum really be ok to start getting free prescriptions now despite not being able to claim her pension for another 2 years till she's 62. Spoke to some guy on the phone at a pension place and he said he thinks it's linked to state pension age now so I'm completely confused.

Thanks a lot in advance for any help!

Comments

  • zaksmum
    zaksmum Posts: 5,529 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Yeah they're free at 60
  • Has she been paying for her prescriptions since turning 60? If so, she should look to claim that money back. As far as I know, everyone (men and women) over 60 are exempt. They don't send out an exemption certificate or card, the exemption is based on the date of birth printed on the prescription itself.

    Hope that helps :)
  • System
    System Posts: 178,227 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Aww that is awesome, she gets like 14 a year so the cost really does add up. Thanks so much for the replies guys, much appreciated. Will ask her if she's paid for any since turning 60 too. Thank you!!
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • zaksmum
    zaksmum Posts: 5,529 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    She should just tick the box on the back of the prescription saying she does not have to pay because the patient is over 60.

    Can I just say though if you do have to pay for prescriptions, and need a lot of medication, that it works out much cheaper to get a prepayment certificate whereby you pay a fixed amount for unlimited prescriptions for a 3 month or 12 month period of time.
  • zaksmum wrote: »
    She should just tick the box on the back of the prescription saying she does not have to pay because the patient is over 60.

    Can I just say though if you do have to pay for prescriptions, and need a lot of medication, that it works out much cheaper to get a prepayment certificate whereby you pay a fixed amount for unlimited prescriptions for a 3 month or 12 month period of time.

    She shouldn't have to do that. Her doctor should have her date of birth on file and the prescription should automatically have 'no charge' printed on it. Mine does.
    "There are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe a 'Princess Coronation' locomotive in full cry. We shall never see their like again". O S Nock
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