Wales Rolls Out UK-First Prepaid Cards for Gluten-Free Food

Wales is set to introduce a UK-first prepaid card scheme to support people with coeliac disease and similar conditions in purchasing gluten-free foods more conveniently. The National Gluten-Free Subsidy Card, which will be rolled out this autumn following a successful trial in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area, allows users to buy gluten-free products in supermarkets, pharmacies, and online, providing greater choice and flexibility compared to traditional prescriptions. The card will be topped up every three months with amounts tailored to individuals and aims to reduce the administrative burden on GPs and pharmacies while promoting more effective use of NHS resources. Welsh Health Secretary Jeremy Miles emphasized that a strict gluten-free diet is a medical necessity and the scheme seeks to de-medicalize gluten-free food supply. Although the card helps with the higher costs of gluten-free foods, users like Cherylee Barker have noted that the funds only partially cover expenses. The traditional prescription option will remain available, and the Welsh government expects the new scheme to be cost-neutral to the NHS budget.