DHSC looking at 'reducing' current prescription exemptions list

Fewer than 5% of prescription items incur charges currently

The health minister says his department is looking at reducing its list of prescription exemptions saying the current system 'favours' a number of medical conditions over others which 'creates inequity and unfairness'.

Lawrie Hooper's plans to review the policy have been published as part of a response to a written Tynwald question from Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh. 

Mr Wannenburgh had asked what consideration has been given to issuing free prescriptions for cancer patients.

In response Mr Hooper said the Island is seeing a 'continuing and unsustainable rise in the cost of drugs dispensed in the community'.

Currently fewer than five percent of prescription items issued on the Island incur charges.

This contributes less than £1million towards the overall £18million annual community drugs bill.

Mr Hooper says there are some conditions which make a person eligible to receive their prescription free of charge but this also includes other items, unrelated to their chronic condition, for free. 

Others, such as someone with cancer, would be required to pay for their prescriptions unless they were eligible for one of the other current exemptions.

He says the Department of Health and Social Care wants to focus on 'supporting those who are unable to pay' rather than focussing on age or specific condition.

Mr Hooper adds the aim is to 'reform the policy to be more equitable while also helping to ensure that the escalating cost of drugs can continue to be met.'

Intrinsic to a reformed policy would be that anyone who pays prescription charges can cap their annual cost for prescription items with a pre-payment certificate.

The DHSC intends to introduce the opportunity for people to spread the cost of a pre-payment certificate over the year.

Pre-paid certificates currently cost £54 for 12 months or £19 for four months – and any Isle of Man Residents, over 16 (19 if a full-time student), can apply.

The department encourages anyone who pays for regular prescriptions to see if they meet the criteria for an existing exemption or to purchase a pre-payment certificate to reduce the impact of the cost.

Earlier this year the DHSC changed its policy regarding 'over the counter' items meaning doctors and nurses now don't issue prescriptions if treatment is readily available to buy.

You can read the Tynwald written response in full HERE.