Brits could wait longer for free prescriptions under pension change

The Government is looking into aligning eligibility for the freebie benefit with the state pension age. Currently, residents in England are able to access free prescriptions once they turn 60 years of age. However, this consultation could mean the over 60s will have a longer wait until they receive this support.The amount someone receives in their state pension is dependent on their National Insurance record.An individual needs 35 years worth of contributions under their belt to get the full new state pension.Currently, the full new state pension is £185.15 per week while the full basic state pension is a weekly payment of £141.85.As it stands, the state pension age is 66 but this is set to increase to 67 in the next couple of years.READ MORE: Britons urged to consider ‘simple’ boiler hack that could cut energy bills by £112 a year Britons could wait longer for free prescriptions under state pension change (Image: GETTY)Despite over 60s in England being able to use this benefit, the Government has consulted on hiking the eligibility threshold to the state pension age.It should be noted that residents in Scotland and Wales can get free prescriptions on the NHS no matter what age they are.On top of this, under 16s and those between the ages of 16 and 18 in higher education can claim the benefit, as long as the latter group is in higher education.If the Government carries out this state pension change, millions of people will lose immediate access to this vital support, but the matter is yet to be decided.DON’T MISSPIP claim: The top 5 medical conditions giving £627 a month from DWP – check eligibility [INSIGHT]’I now get money every month!’ Woman, 65, shares way she found extra money for retirement [INSIGHT]NS&I is increasing interest rates on savings accounts up to 3.7% – millions set to benefit [UPDATE]In England, prescriptions are priced at £9.35 per item on the NHS. This can be particularly expensive for those who have multiple medications to take.Many people purchase a Prepayment Certificate (PPC) if they need more than three items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months.A PPC on the NHS would cost someone £30.25 for three months or £108.10 for a 12-month period.This certificate could be useful for over 60s at risk of losing free prescriptions due to the rumoured state pension change.READ MORE: Attendance Allowance: 6 myths that stop millions of pensioners claiming up to £370 a month  Who is eligible for this benefit? (Image: EXPRESS.CO.UK) How much is the state pension? (Image: EXPRESS.CO.UK)’If ever there was a self-defeating policy, this is it, and we know that many medical experts agree with us.’Speaking to Express.co.uk, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘Around 90 percent of community prescription items in England are free of charge, and people don’t pay if they are on a low income, over 60 years old, or have certain medical conditions.’The upper age exemption has not changed since 1995 and that is why we have consulted on restoring the link with the state pension age.’We are considering the responses carefully and will respond in due course.’