I have asthma, as well as a couple of other on-goingconditions, necessitating prescription drugs.
In the UK, the current charge per drug on the NHS is 8.05 GBP. Doctors usually prescribe the drugs for ongoing conditions by 2 or 3 month supplies, meaning you still only pay the one charge for three packs. Certain illnesses mean exemption from all charges for ANY meds you may require. For example, if you were diabetic and needed asthma meds or antibiotics or blood pressure meds, they would also be free. Children and those over retirement age are also entitled to free scripts and I think pregnant women may also qualify. if you suffer from ongoing conditions for which you are not entitled to free prescriptions, you can buy pre-paid charge accounts from the NHS, for varying lengths of time, three months, six months or a year covering all drugs required. Fine if you know you are going to need drugs, but a gamble!
Of course, when I say 'free' we do, in effect, pay through our national insurance contributions!
ETA Because of my ongoing conditions, I no longer pay for any meds, although when I only needed meds for asthma, which is not a 'free scrip' condition, I did!
Simple system that everyone understands!
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