Charges and Exemptions.
Most NHS treatment is free, however there can be charges for certain items such as prescriptions.
England
Prescriptions are charged by the item. From the 1st April 2011 each item costs £7.40.
Northern Ireland
Prescriptions are free. From the 1st April 2010.
Scotland
Prescriptions are charged by the item. From the 1st April 2010 each item costs £3.00.
Exemptions in England and Scotland
NHS prescriptions are normally charged at a specific fee for each item. However, many people are exempt from paying these prescription charges.
If at the time you have your prescription dispensed you fall into one of the groups below then you should be exempt from charges.
• You are under 16
• You are 16 to 18 and in full-time education
• You are 60 or over
• You are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid exemption certificate
• You have a specified medical condition and have a valid exemption certificate
• You have a continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without help from another person and have a valid exemption certificate
• You are getting or your partner gets:
- Income support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• You are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
• You are named on a valid HC2 certificate
• You are a war pensioner, the prescription is for your accepted disablement and you have a valid war pension exemption certificate
There are also some situations in which medicines are supplied free:
• Prescribed contraceptives
• Medication administered at a hospital or a NHS Walk in Centre
• Medication personally administered by a GP
• Medication supplied at a hospital or PCT clinic for the treatment of a sexually transmissible infection
Pre Payment Certificates.
If you have an ongoing repeat prescription, a Pre-Payment Certificate (PPC) will save you money especially if you have to pay for more than 3 prescription items in 3 months, or 14 items in 12 months.
The costs are as follows:
- 3-month PPC - £28.25
- 12-month PPC - £104.00
Prepayment Certificates can be purchased online at:
https://www.ppa.org.uk/ppa/ppcdd/patient.do
