Free prescriptions available for 15 groups

In England, the prescription cost is currently £9.35 per item, which can be steep for those worried about the cost of living. However, there are a number of exemptions made available which means certain groups do not have to pay the charge.

The first group who can currently get free prescriptions are individuals aged 60 or over.

This may be at risk, however, as Britons wait for feedback on a consultation which proposed increasing the age of eligibility in line with the state pension age.

Another age related exemption comes for individuals under the age of 16, as children can get medicines for free.

The same goes for those aged 16 to 18 who are in full-time education, another exempt group.

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It usually takes “three minutes to check”, and after this, it could open Britons up to significant support.

However, the NHS has urged people to ‘check before you tick’ for eligibility for a free prescription.

The health service stated those who are unsure if they have to pay, or are waiting to find out, should pay.

If they later find out they are eligible, they can then claim a refund for what they have spent.

Not everyone will be eligible for a free prescription, and those who claim when they are not entitled could face consequences.

A £100 penalty charge could be levied, even if a person ticks by mistake, so it is their responsibility to check.