Free prescriptions or not

I am a pensioner and received a temporary sip card back in December paying a percentage for my medication which is no problem.Two days ago I went to Orihuela for my permanent sip card,the lady took my old sip card and replaced it with a document to take to Almoradi which I did .I was told to come back in 2 to 3 weeks to collect the permanent one.Today I went for some medication and was told I have to pay 10 % of the medication.My question is people have been telling me for ages that once you have a permanent sip card the medication is free,have things changed ? .I think 10% is well worth the money but just wondered if it used to be free after all.

It is based on your income... If you search on here you will see many posts on this subject..

Thanks for the reply,I was just curious because all I get is my pension.

we pay 10%

Until you have completed your first income tax return the system won't know what your earnings are.
Once you have done that (April time this year for income tax in 2018) then it will let the system know how much the co-payment will be, if any. That will probably kick in about September as that is when the income tax bills go out.

Brilliant information Marcliffe ,that clears everything up.

If you've only just got your SIP it's fair to assume that you have yet to make your first tax return therefore at the moment your income does not enter the equation and by default you will pay 10%.

We are in the same position.

Not sure what the income level is to be exonerated and receive prescriptions free but honestly I don't really object to paying 10%

Edit: crossed posts.

Yes you are right ,we have not done our 1st year yet but thanks to all for the information.

I pay nothing as I have been a resident here for 16 years and worked. 10% is a drop in the ocean really. When you do your TAX return it should change.

Thank you for replying.