Proposed changes to free prescriptions could force more than 13,000 York residents to pay for medications, a council group has claimed.
Ministers have been consulting on plans to raise the qualifying age for free prescriptions in England from 60 to 66.
According to the York Liberal Democrats, this could happen on 1 April, hitting 13K people between 60 and 65.
The average person in their early 60s would pay an extra £50 to £100 a year unless they qualify for another exemption, they say.
Lib Dem Cllr Carol Runciman, who holds the health portfolio at City of York Council, said: “This will be yet another hit for thousands of local residents – especially penalising those who need multiple medicines because they are managing several serious long term health conditions.
“My biggest worry about this proposal is its potential impact on people’s health, particularly as the pandemic is still ongoing.
“I am deeply concerned some may be reluctant to act on symptoms, seek medical advice or get a diagnosis, for fear they will be unable to afford long term, symptom relieving or even in some cases lifesaving medication.”
She urged ministers not to bring in the change so “millions across the country don’t get pushed even deeper into the cost of living crisis”.
The Department of Health and Social Care says no decision has yet been made, adding “responses are being considered carefully and we’ll respond in due course.”