In May 2024, the cost of an NHS prescription in England rose to £9.90 per item – and if you’re on multiple forms of medication that can result in a hefty payment each time you vist the pharmacy.
But did you know there’s a way of potentially cutting costs dramatically? Laura Potts, who suffers from a number of health ailments and has several prescription items herself, explains what you can do to save money.
« I take a lot of medication so I get a lot of prescription medication from the pharmacy each month, » she began in a TikTok video. « We’re talking seven or eight different boxes at a time. »
However, Laura pointed out: « You can actually get something called a prepayment certificate (PPC) where you can pay monthly, three-monthly or yearly at a set price. » Of course, this doesn’t apply to those that are exempt from payment for a variety of reasons.
« So if I was to pay for my seven or eight items every month, that would add up quite quickly, » Laura continued. « What I do now though is pay £11 per month and I get unlimited prescriptions with my PPC. It saves so much money as a chronically ill girl and that is a life-saver for me. »
Laura closed by revealing that a lot of people had « reached out to her » admitting they weren’t aware of PPCs, so she thought her video may prove useful to many others. « So if you’re someone that has to pay for prescriptions, look up NHS prepayment certificates, » she said.
« As a poor chronically ill person it’s incredible, » one TikTok user enthused. « You can also let your doctor know so they can prescribe things you may be able to get over the counter. »
A second person added: « Even for two boxes of medicine it saves you a lot. Some conditions you can also get exemptions such as diabetes for but you have to apply through the GP. » A third reacted in shock: « Wait, I never knew this – my cost of inhalers each month is like £54! »
A fourth penned: « I’m on Universal Credit due to multiple disabilities – I honestly couldn’t afford my meds without it. » Whilst a fifth hailed: « I have a prepaid certificate, my husband does too! Saving us together about £60-80/month! »
The NHS website advises:
« A PPC covers all your NHS prescriptions, including NHS dental prescriptions, no matter how many items you need. A PPC does not cover the cost of other health items, such as wigs and fabric supports.
There are 3 PPC options:
- a 3-month PPC costs £32.05 and will save you money if you need more than 3 prescribed items in 3 months
- a 12-month PPC costs £114.50 and will save you money if you need more than 11 prescribed items in a year
- a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) PPC costs £19.80 and will save you money if you need more than 2 prescribed qualifying HRT items in a year. »
For further information, see the NHS’ PPC website here.
All NHS prescription charges abolished in Wales in 2007, followed by Northern Ireland in 2010 and Scotland in 2011.
