NHS prescription charges will rise next month, the Government has confirmed. From Wednesday, May 1, they’ll increase by around 3 per cent, with prescriptions costing £9.90 for each medicine or appliance dispensed.
Other costs related to wigs and fabric supports (such as surgical bras) will rise at the same rate. Charges for prescription prepayment certificates will also increase, but prescription prepayment certificates (PPC) are still a good option if you know you’ll have to pay for many prescriptions.
A PPC helps to cover all of your prescriptions, including NHS dental prescriptions, no matter how many items you need. Depending on your needs, there are three plans to choose from.
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The first option is a three-month PPC, which now costs £31.25 but will be £32.05 from May, and saves you money if you need more than three prescribed items in three months. The second is a 12-month PPC, which now costs £111.60 but will be be £114.50 from May, and saves you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year
The third and last is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC, which now costs £19.30 but will be £19.80 from May, and saves you money if you need more than two prescribed qualifying HRT items in a year. It covers an unlimited number of some HRT medicines for 12 months, including if they’re prescribed for something other than menopause symptoms.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Almost nine in ten items are available for free on the NHS in England and we provide a wide range of support to ensure everyone who needs a prescription can afford it. Those on a low income, aged over 60 or with qualifying medical conditions like cancer, epilepsy and diabetes all qualify for exemptions, as do children and pregnant women.
“Where charges are in place, it is important prices are regularly updated to ensure the NHS maintains a sustainable business model and can continue to deliver excellent patient care.” Certain prescribed items, including contraception and medicines given to hospital inpatients, will remain free.
Some people – depending on their age, where they live and their health condition – may also qualify for free NHS prescriptions and help with other costs, such as sight tests and dental treatment. You can find out more information about it here.
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