Why is the system unfair?
Some groups are exempt from paying prescription charges, including those over the age of 60 and people with certain long-term conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy. MS is not a condition that is automatically exempt from charges, despite the fact that it means people can require multiple prescriptions at unpredictable times.

What has the Government said?
In July 2007, the Government made a commitment to launch a public consultation on the review of prescription charges in England. However, the Government currently makes around £450 million per year from prescription charges and says that any changes must not result in less money for the Treasury. By saying this, the MS Society believes that the Government is limiting the options for reform.

What is the MS Society doing?
Currently, we are still waiting for the consultation which, while initially expected last autumn, has yet to be published. We are working in coalition with organisations including Asthma UK, Breast Cancer Care, and Citizens’ Advice, calling on the Government to launch this consultation as soon as possible. We are also critical of the Government stance that any changes to the system must be 'cost-neutral' to the NHS. By stating this, the Government is ensuring that some patients will still lose out in any new settlement. Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS Society, recently signed a joint letter published in The Times with the heads of 14 of the country’s leading healthcare and disability charities calling on the Government to re-consider this position.

Have you ever had problems affording prescription charges? Do charges affect the amount of prescribed medicine you use? Help us campaign for people with MS by getting in touch and telling us your story.