Nearly 300,000 pensioners in the Murcia region, historically exempt from paying prescription charges, will be expected to pay 10% of the cost of their medicines from this Sunday.
The new contributory health scheme introduced by central government means the end of free prescriptions for 290,637 pensioners in the region and 223,481 members of the “active population” with incomes above 18,000 euros a year will pay 50% instead of 40%. Some 6,574 patients with incomes above 100,000 a year will pay 60%.
The rest of the population, some 57.7%, will continue to pay the same as before. This group includes 793.458 patients earning less than 18,000 euros a year and 49.446 residents receiving non contributory pensions who are exempt from prescription charges.
The second measure aimed at cutting the massive health service debt is the exclusion of 426 medicines for minor symptoms from the prescription regime. Patients, except those with chronic conditions, will have to buy these over the counter.
Groups of excluded medicines include those for diarrhea or constipation; anti diuretics; mild migraine treatments; medicines for cognitive deterioration associated with ageing; hemorrhoid treatments; treatment for varicose veins; mild skin conditions; anti-inflammatory creams and drugs; treatments for mild anxiety, respiratory problems and coughs; and treatments for dry eyes, mild rheumatic pain, colds and flu.
