NHS prescription prices are set to rise again in May in another blow to households grappling with rising living costs, but there are ways people can reduce their bills.
On May 1, charges for prescriptions and prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) will increase by 2.59 percent (rounded to the nearest 5p). Charges for wigs and fabric supports will increase at the same rate.
A prescription will cost £9.90 for each medicine or appliance dispensed, an increase of 25 pence.
The three-month PPC will cost £32.05 and the 12-month PPC will cost £114.50. The hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC will cost £19.80, an increase of 50 pence.
However, there are ways people can reduce the cost of their medication and during this high-cost period, it could pay to be savvy.
Free prescriptions
Some Britons could knock hundreds of pounds a year off their medication costs if they qualify for the NHS free prescription scheme.
15 groups with certain living or medical conditions can qualify for free NHS prescriptions, and these include those who:
- Are under 16
- Are aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education
- Are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
- Are registered disabled and are unable to go out
- Have a war pension exemption certificate
- Are an NHS inpatient
- Receive Income Support
- Receive income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Receive income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Receive Universal Credit (UC) and their earnings during their last assessment period were £435 or less, or £935 or less if their UC includes an element for a child or they have limited capability for work
- Own a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
- Receive a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2).
- Have certain illnesses including cancer and epilepsy
- Are aged 60 or over.
People can use the NHS’ three-minute tool to more accurately check if they qualify for the scheme, here.
Those eligible for a free prescription could also pick up over-the-counter medicine for free, such as treatment for minor and common illnesses.
This service is provided through the NHS Minor Ailment Scheme, widely accessible in Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, and available in selected pharmacies and Boots stores across England.
The specific medicines covered vary by location, so individuals are advised to consult their local pharmacy for details on what they offer.
People may need to bring proof of exemption from prescription charges to claim the free medicine.
Prescription prepayment certificate (PPC)
PPCs provide coverage for all prescriptions at a fixed price. They typically offer cost savings to people who require more than three items within three months or 11 items within 12 months.
This is because while a prescription will soon cost £9.90 per item, a PPC will cost £32.05 for three months, and £114.50 for 12 months.
NHS low-income scheme
The NHS low-income scheme is available to those who don’t have savings or capital of over £6,000 and must be at least one of the following:
- A pensioner
- A student
- Earning a wage
- Receiving state benefits
- Living in a care home.
The amount of help given depends on weekly income and necessary outgoings, plus any savings or investments the person has at the time of applying.
Any help the eligible person is entitled to will also be available for their partner too if they have one.
Applications are said to usually be assessed within 18 working days from the date the form is submitted.
People can apply for the scheme through the NHSBSA website, here.
