Scrip charge review for long-term conditions

The DoH has published the Gilmore report on introducing prescription charge exemption for people in England with long-term conditions (www.dh.gov.uk).

    The report recommends that GPs decide when patients with a condition likely to last longer than six months should be exempt. The period of exemption should last three years and people receiving certain benefits should be exempt automatically. Exemption should be phased in by reducing the cost of a 12-month prepayment certificate. The recommendations could cost up to £400 million over the next three years.
    Gilmore recommended that the change should be implemented immediately, but the Government says it will be considered as part of the spending review due in the autumn.