Macmillan believes that prescription charges are a tax on illness. That's why we believe that no one should have to pay for their prescriptions. We have been campaigning across the four nations of the UK with increasing success.
Wales
We helped to abolish prescription charges from April 2007.
England
Macmillan started campaigning for a fairer deal on prescription charges for cancer patients back in Summer 2005. We asked the Health Select Committee to recommend changing the prescription charges exemption system.
Gordon Brown has announced that there will be free prescriptions in England for cancer patients and those with long term conditions. Read Macmillan's reaction to this news here.
Thank you to everyone who joined our campaign and ensured this incredible achievement.
Scotland
We pushed the Scottish Parliament to review prescription charged. From April 2008, charges for prescriptions and pre-payment certificates are being reduced yearly and are set to be abolished in April 2011.
Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Health Minister has announced plans to abolish prescription charges. From January 2009 the cost of prescriptions in Northern Ireland will be reduced to £3 per prescription and will be free of charge by April 2010.
If you are a cancer patient and have had difficulty paying for your prescriptions please contact campaigns@macmillan.org.uk