The public are being reminded that, following the approval of Tynwald at its April sitting, exemption from prescription and dental charges on age grounds is changing.  From 1st June 2013 exemption from charges will come into force when men and women reach state pensionable age – this will vary depending on their date of birth.
 
The Regulations also align the exemption criteria for children. Those aged under 16 and those aged under 19 and in full time education will receive both dental treatment and prescriptions free of charge.
 
Prescriptions in the Isle of Man are charged at ?3.85 per item compared to ?7.65 per item in England.  Those affected are reminded that pre-payment certificates are available for periods of 4 months at ?19, and 12 months at ?54.  Pre-payment certificates cover an unlimited number of prescriptions. Dental charges in the Isle of Man are between ?16.50 and ?198, whereas in England they range from between ?17.50 and ?209.
 
A copy of the National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 can be found here (http://www.tynwald.org.im/business/opqp/sittings/20112014/2013-SD-0049.pdf), and a copy of the National Health Service (Dental Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 can be found here (http://www.tynwald.org.im/business/opqp/sittings/20112014/2013-SD-0049.pdf).
 
Details on state pension age are available by here http://www.gov.im/socialcare/security/retire/rp.xml?menuid=22034).