Trust urges Government to end prescription charges for people with cystic fibrosis
People with cystic fibrosis are footing the bill of their daily medicines as a result of rules dating back to 1968, when those with CF were not expected to live beyond childhood.
Many people with cystic fibrosis will develop other conditions such as diabetes, which is on the exempt list, and therefore by default get free prescription charges through that condition – but a section of our community with no additional illnesses still have to pay. This means that around 2,500 people with CF in England do not qualify for free prescriptions, and we believe this needs to change.
“As someone who has a long-term medical condition – epilepsy – it has always amazed me that adults with cystic fibrosis have to pay for their prescriptions whilst I do not. I hope this debate can explore the impact this has on the lives of people with cystic fibrosis, and the difference it would make if cystic fibrosis were added to the list of exemption conditions. 1968 was the last time a full list was drawn up. Medicine and society have moved on, so should the exemption list, and reflect modern day experience”.
Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool North and Cleveleys
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust estimates that the cost of ending prescription charges for the conservative number of the 2,500 adults with CF in England would be around £270,000pa. This is a figure we believe will also likely be even lower once a fuller assessment is made of existing exemptions and eligibility.
Clare Corbett, Director of External Affairs at Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “It’s appalling that people with cystic fibrosis still have to pay for their daily medicines, because of an outdated list made years ago when they weren’t expected to live into adulthood. People with cystic fibrosis need to take up to 40 tablets a day just to stay healthy. Having the condition already brings added costs and prescription charges are yet another layer of financial burden.
“We want the Government to review the outdated exemption list so that everyone with CF has free access to the medicines they need to live longer, healthier lives.”
The debate is taking place today, Wednesday 2 February, at 2:30pm.
Impact of the prescription charges
Ahead of the Westminster Hall debate, we hear from Jade, who has CF, about the impact of the “outdated” exemption rules.
Campaigning hard
We are here to shout loud and campaign hard for better care and services for people with cystic fibrosis (CF), but to really be heard we need you to join us!