Coeliac UK welcomes the Welsh Government’s decision to roll out the Gluten Free Subsidy Card Scheme (GFSCS) across Wales a move that promises to transform how people with coeliac disease access essential gluten free foods.
Originally piloted by the Hywel Dda University Health Board in West Wales, the GFSCS offers eligible patients a prepaid card that can be used at participating retailers to purchase gluten free staple products. The card is preloaded with funds equivalent to the cost difference between gluten free and standard food items, offering flexibility, dignity, and choice to users.
It’s intended for the card to be used to buy gluten free food items at the holder’s convenience and preference while ensuring medical dietary needs are met and relieving pressure on GP services. Patients will have the option to choose between continuing with prescriptions or opting into the subsidy card scheme—but not both.
Tristan Humphreys, Coeliac UK, said:
“It’s been a privilege to work closely with the fantastic team behind the development of the GFSCS since its early days in Hywel Dda. We warmly welcome this significant commitment from the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, particularly at a time when the cost of living continues to put pressure on households.
“For those living with coeliac disease, basic gluten free products are on average more than double their gluten containing counterparts. This scheme offers an empowering, practical alternative for patients, and we know the coeliac community in Wales will be encouraged by this flexible new support option.
“We recognise there is more work ahead to finalise the details and determine the rollout timeline, and we look forward to continuing to support the Welsh Government and health boards as this model evolves.
“This announcement comes at a crucial time, as gluten free prescriptions are being withdrawn in many parts of England —leaving many to bear the full financial burden of a medically necessary diet.”
While the national rollout is being developed, individuals diagnosed with coeliac disease in Wales can continue to access gluten free staple items through their GP via existing prescription services.
For more information, visit the official announcement from the Welsh Government here.