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Written question asked by Samantha Niblett (Labour) on Monday, 8 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 June 2026 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Friday, 12 June 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Stephen Kinnock (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Heart Diseases: Prescriptions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to review the current criteria for medical exemption certificates for prescription charges to include Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy.

Answer

There are no current plans to review the list of prescription charge exemptions or the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate. The Government has not specifically assessed the impact on patient health outcomes for people with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy who may struggle to afford their prescribed medication.

Patients with certain medical conditions may be eligible for exemption from National Health Service prescription charges for another reason. Eligibility depends on the patient’s age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, whether they have a qualifying medical condition, and whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension.

Additionally, people on a low income can seek help under the NHS Low Income Scheme, and people who have to pay NHS prescription charges and need many prescription items could save money with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). PPCs are available to purchase online from the NHS Business Services Authority or in-person at some pharmacies. The prescription charge in England is £9.90. A PPC costs £32.05 for three months or £114.50 for 12 months.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
7815
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Concessions Heart diseases Prescriptions
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk