People who regularly take prescription medications could be saving hundreds of pounds a year through a cost-saving NHS scheme.
As the prices of essentials rise, many of us are looking for savings wherever we can find them. And if you pay for your prescriptions, the NHS's 'season pass' that can be used at pharmacies could make a big difference.
Most adults in England have to pay £9.35 per standard item of prescription medicine, but if you need refills on your medication every month the costs can stack up. But prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) allow you to pay in advance with a fixed price for everything you need.
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It can be financially worthwhile for anyone who pays for more than four prescription medications in a three-month period, The Mirror reports. The three-month certificate costs £30.25, while the 12-month plan costs £108.10 - and for that you can pick up everything you're prescribed from a pharmacy.
The 12-month plan becomes cost-effective even if you purchase just 12 prescription medications per year. The health service says that this season pass can save people hundreds over the course of a year, describing the cost-saving as:
- Two items per month – You save £116.30 with a 12-month PPC
- Three items per month – You save £228.50 with a 12-month PPC
- Four items per month – You save £340.70 with a 12-month PPC
In Scotland and Wales, all prescriptions are completely free. Currently, in England, everyone over the age of 60 and under the age of 16 is able to get an unlimited number of prescribed items for free.
The other groups entitled to free prescriptions are:
- Those who are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months, with a valid maternity exemption certificate
- Students and apprentices in a form of post-16 education
- Anyone with a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate
- People with a continuing physical disability that prevents you from going out without help from another person, with a valid medical exemption certificate
- War pensioners with an exemption certificate and where the prescription is for an accepted disability
- Any NHS inpatient
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Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit and meet the financial criteria
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