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Is it just me

I agree that would not be fair or workable. The main thing that needs to be discouraged 'for free' is people who see the GP for a 'cold' or similar when it's not really necessary. Anyone diagnosed with a specific condition such as diabetes should have their costs fully covered. In the USA for example the local pharmacy RX counters provide a lot of support for minor conditions.
 
When you are no longer eligible for free prescriptions, you should be able to buy a Prescription Prepayment Certificate which costs £104 for 12 months and covers all prescriptions. https://apps.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppcwebsales/patient.do

There is a campaign by the Prescription Charges Coalition for prescriptions in England to be free to everyone with a long-term medical condition - the BBC report about is here:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-40431800
 
My husband was in the same position - after an operation for an aortic aneurysm, replacement heart valve and pace maker 10 years ago he has to have pills to control his heart beat and warfarin to prevent his blood clotting but he had to pay for them through an annual prescription card until last year when he was 60. However it doesn’t bear thinking about as to how we could have paid for it without the NHS.
 
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