Free NHS prescriptions for over-60s could be scrapped under a new threshold as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits bill continues to spiral. The number of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims has reached four million, prompting calls for reform.
Proposal to Align with State Pension Age
One idea put forward by a taxpayer is to remove free NHS prescriptions for over-60s and align the benefit with the DWP state pension age, which is currently 66 and rising under a pre-planned timetable. In a letter to the Telegraph, a taxpayer from Suffolk expressed frustration: "There is evidence that some people claiming for depression or anxiety may be playing the system. The focus should be on getting them into employment. If they were busy, they might well enjoy happier and more fulfilling lives. Doctors should be instructed not to hand out sick notes so readily, and to advise patients to find something constructive to do, be that paid or voluntary work."
Unsustainable Welfare Spending
A second commenter said: "The amount of taxpayers’ money currently spent on welfare and benefits is unsustainable. While there is much discussion over the removal of the state pension triple lock, there are other areas deserving of scrutiny. One benefit that appears to be unaffordable is free prescriptions for those aged 60 and above. There is no reason why this should not be brought into line with the state pension age." They noted that a safety net exists for the less well-off: people in receipt of state benefits already qualify for free prescriptions. Those who require regular medication but do not qualify can use the annual prescription prepayment certificate, currently priced at £114.50. This would free up cash for the underfunded NHS.
Government Response
A spokesperson for the DWP said: "We’re fixing the broken system we inherited by creating a welfare state that works for disabled people and taxpayers and have launched the Timms Review – co-produced with disabled people and their representative organisations – to make sure PIP is fit and fair for the future."
