Prescription charges
We're
disappointed that free prescription charges for those in England
with long-term health needs will not be going ahead.
We are continuing to campaign through the Prescription
Charges Coalition to move towards free prescriptions for those
with long-term health needs. We'll also work tirelessly to make
sure existing heart patients understand what they are currently
entitled to, and that more people are aware of the pre-payment
certificate.
Take action
We need to let decision makers know it's unfair that people with
long term conditions are still forced to pay for the prescriptions
they need to stay well. Take two minutes to
email your MP.
The Coalition has
published a report examining the impact of prescription charges
on people with long term health conditions in England. The findings
highlighted that charging for medication is making it more
difficult for people to manage their conditions effectively,
leading to more severe health problems and extra costs to the NHS
and society as a whole.
Prescription charges are affecting me right now. What can I
do?
If you're struggling to pay your prescription charges then
you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income
Scheme. This could give you full or partial help to pay your
prescription fees if you have a low income. Each claim is
assessed on a case by case basis, so it's worth checking to see if
you're entitled to help through this scheme.
learn more about
the Low Income Scheme
find out how to
apply
If you don't qualify for the Low Income Scheme, you may find
that a Prescription Pre-payment
Certificate (PPC) could help you. This helps people who need
large quantities of medicine on a regular basis, but still have to
pay prescription charges, by helping to spread the cost of the
charges.
You can apply for a PPC by:
calling 0845 850 0030 (interpretation
services available)
using the NHS' online
application form
posting form FP95 available from your local
pharmacy
going to a pharmacy registered to sell
PPCs
Through the PPC you can pay £29.10 for all your prescriptions
for three months, or £104 for all your prescriptions for a year.
You can spread this cost by paying in instalments. An NHS
prescription currently costs £7.65, so if you pay for four of more
prescriptions in three months, or 15 prescriptions or more over a
year, then the PPC would save you money.
For more information see our factsheet on
Benefits and Financial Aid.
Why you shouldn't pay for prescriptions if you live in
England
We believe that you shouldn't have to pay if you are a heart
patient, someone living with heart disease or at risk of heart
disease. Whether you are taking drugs to protect yourself from
future heart disease (like statins) or
as a treatment for existing heart disease, your drugs should be
free because:
- An independent review recommended
that patients with long term conditions like heart
disease receive free prescriptions following approval from
their Doctor.
- in 2008 the Labour government promised to make
prescriptions free for all those with long-term conditions in the
coming years.
- Heart patients in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland no
longer pay for them.
- It will mean that you don't have to worry about money for
prescriptions when your focus should be on your health.