While many groups can get free NHS prescriptions, thousands of people still have to pay for their medication in England. The current prescription charge is £9.90 per item, while some items are always free, such as contraception or medicines for hospital in-patients. People with certain medical conditions can get their medication for free if they have an exemptions certificate.

So can people of a certain age, including those aged under 16, those aged under 19 who are in full-time education, and people aged 60 and over. But many people who are don't meet the qualifying criteria still have to pay. This is despite NHS prescriptions being universally free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

This raises the question of why the entitlement does not apply to everyone in England. Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at debt advice charity Money Wellness, spoke about the prospect of expanding the free medication scheme.

She said: "It's a controversial issue because prescription and dental charges affect millions of people, not just those on low incomes. In England, each NHS prescription item costs £9.90, and because charges apply per item, those costs quickly add up for people with long-term conditions or multiple medications."

She warned that people face high NHS medical costs apart from prescriptions. Ms Lamb said: "NHS dental charges are even higher, with a basic check-up costing £27.40, a filling £75.30, and more complex treatment well over £300. These are real, everyday costs people are facing."

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The consumer advocate said those on low income can be particularly impacted by these charges. The expert said: "For people on Universal Credit or insecure incomes, even these 'modest' charges can tip budgets into the red.

"We see people skipping medication, delaying treatment, or falling into debt just to stay well. Dental costs are a particular pressure point, with untreated problems escalating into pain, emergency care and spiralling dental debt."

She said there would be major benefits in extending who is eligible for free NHS prescriptions. Ms Lamb said: "While it’s right to acknowledge concerns about the cost of extending free prescriptions and services, the benefits outweigh the negatives.

"Preventing people from getting sicker, reducing financial strain and avoiding avoidable NHS treatment later makes both health and economic sense. Healthcare shouldn’t depend on your postcode or your pay packet. And no one should have to choose between staying healthy and keeping their bills paid."

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