Abstract
On 1 January 2013, standard prescription charges in New Zealand were raised from $3 per item to $5 per item. Although these charges are low by international standards, New Zealand has no exemptions for the elderly, the poor, or those with serious health problems. Only children under the age of six years receive all their prescription medicines free. When the charges were raised, the government claimed that the impact on individuals and families would be limited because, after receiving 20 prescription items in a calendar year, people are not required to pay the prescription charge. However, for many people this is an empty promise.