Medical exemption

[Sk1s]

Hi,

Just wondering why Lupus sufferers don't receive prescription exemption?

Appreciate reasons about this.

Sk1s

[Fennella02]

healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/...

[Sk1s in reply to Fennella02]

Thank you SO MUCH. Clare67. Much appreciated. I signed the patition. I've had Lupus since 95 also have sjogrens fibromyalgia , raynalds, chronnic fatigue, osteoporosis , asthmatic plus others. Cannot work and prescriptions must effect meny who cannot afford them. I did not know about the patition. Greatfull for info.

[Fennella02]

Do you have the prepayment certificate? That saves me a relative fortune.

[Sk1s in reply to Fennella02]

I have income support Which allows for free prescription's. But many struggle to pay for them.

[Poshcards]

My doctor said it was because it is not classed as a life threatening disease and it doesn't rely on medication to basically keep going!! But he also said if it was up to him he would give it to me free. I spent 20 years of paying for meds until I reached 60! Yet my brother who had diabetes and only needed I med, got all of his free!! Where is the reasoning in that x

[Sk1s in reply to Poshcards]

I don't understand the reasoning in that either, and Lupus can be life threatening. It desire not make sense.

[Sk1s in reply to Sk1s]

Sorry that was .... does not make sense

[KIERANCULLEN70]

I take thyroxine. I get all prescriptions free. I remember my GP saying this was because thyroxine is what he called a replacement therapy. Presumably something the body should produce but doesn't any longer.

My wife has lupus. She gets free prescriptions because she is over 60. She used to pay.

[MsAndyIvy in reply to KIERANCULLEN70]

Yes. Hypothyroidism is prescription fee free. No idea why it is when other things aren’t.

I’ve had it for a long time.

Doesn’t seem fair.

[Sk1s in reply to KIERANCULLEN70]

Yes it's unclear why Lupus sufferer's do not receive free prescriptions, need clearer outlined reasons.

[Renu]

Insurance companies consider it serious enough not to offer us life insurance so why shouldn't we be eligible for free prescriptions? I get free prescriptions due to hypothyroidism but thought I would just make the point!

Renu xx

[creaky]

I'm lucky enough to live in Wales where everyone gets free prescriptions now, it's completely unfair and out of date.

[MissusTee]

Trouble is everyone says that about their conditions. I have scleroderma too, and they say exactly the same thing on those forums! If you were in America the meds can cost thousands so believe it or not we are lucky here. I have hypothyroidism so I do get mine free, but I had a pre payment card before that. It wouldn't surprise me if I soon have to pay again the way that the NHS is so underfunded.

[Buffy14]

My consultant says that lupus is life threatening , I'm sure it's considered life threatening if you have organ involvement and we do need medication to keep going , I've been told I can never come off the steroids and am unlikely to ever be able to stop taking the immunosuppressant medication , we should be exempt if we have to take medication for life it's ridiculous .

[Sk1s]

Hi Buffy14.

Yes and many others have similar diagnosis. I don't understand what the guidelines for free prescriptions are. Is there explanation available to those in need?

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Sk1s]

Hi Sk1s ,

You can find more information about this and available support for prescription and medical costs at lupusuk.org.uk/prescription...

[Sk1s]

Thank you for the information. Appreciated. Will use it.

[Shorty1506]

I have a medical exemption card but I had that befor I was diagnosed with lupus due to being epileptic if it wasn’t for that there wud be no way I cud afford my medication every month as I’m on over 25 diff meds a day xxx

[Sk1s]

Many would be greatly helped if they could receive a medical exemption who suffer from Lupus. Thank you for sharing. I'm glad your receiving help though, especially with the mount of medication needed to deal with your health. All the best.