Free prescriptions: Unpaid carers could lose free NHS medication after rule change | Personal Finance | Finance
Another individual explained to the charity: “I had to give up work at 58 to care for my husband who has severe Alzheimer’s. I don’t yet qualify for my state pension and only get Carer’s Allowance, so money is always tight.
“We already spend a small fortune on care costs, costs associated with incontinence, extra on heating, water for washing etc. Paying for prescriptions would cause issues.”
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK’s charity director, said: “The Government cannot have it both ways: if it is serious about valuing carers – people who sacrifice so much and who save the country billions a year as a result – it should shelve the idea of making any 60-65 year old who is not exempt pay for their prescriptions, after many years of them being free.
“There is ample evidence showing that older carers often struggle with their own health problems, so making them start paying for their medication simply risks them becoming even less fit and well.
