Prescription charges abolished from 1 February 2008

31 January 2008

Friday 1 February heralds the end of prescription charges for Islanders.

A continuing annual surplus in the contributory Health Insurance Scheme means that the whole cost of medicines prescribed by GPs can be met through the Health Insurance system.

People need to be resident and registered with the Social Security Department to obtain a Health Insurance card and access its benefits.

Welcoming the move, the Minister for Social Security, Senator Paul Routier commented: “Ending prescription charges will benefit all Islanders. It will particularly help all those requiring regular multiple prescriptions for chronic conditions and those who similarly might need prescription medicines to help with an acute episode of illness. Beneficiaries will not just be those on low incomes, but also, for example, those just outside Income Support, particularly pensioners and families with young children.”