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ADVICE from the Citizens Advice Bureau


31/ 8/2007

I am on various tablets permanently to treat a chronic health condition but I have been told I don’t qualify for free prescriptions. I’m finding it hard to afford my medication since prescription charges went up again recently and I’m tempted to cut out some of the pills I’ve been told to take to cut down the cost.

If you have to pay for more than five prescription items in four months, or 14 items in 12 months, you could save money by buying a pre-payment certificate (PPC).

Prescriptions in England now cost £6.85 per item (in Wales they are free), whereas a three month PPC costs £26.85 and a 12-month one costs £98.70.Until recently, an annual pre-payment certificate had to be paid for in a lump sum upfront, but from 1 July you can spread the cost by paying for a 12-month PPC in 10 monthly instalments by Direct Debit.

You can apply online via an NHS website www.ppa.nhs.uk or over the phone (have your credit or debit card details ready) on 0845 850 0030. Some chemists can sell pre-payment certificates so check with your local pharmacy.

Alternatively, fill in form FP95, available from pharmacies and doctors surgeries, and send the completed form to:Prescription Pricing AuthorityPPC Issue Office, PO Box 854, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE99 2DE.For more information, or to apply online, go to www.ppa.nhs.uk Some people can get free prescriptions. You should check again whether you could get free prescriptions before buying a PPC.

Get a copy of Leaflet HC11 (Help with Health Costs) from your nearest Post Office, chemist or GP surgery. You can also get this by writing to Department of Health, PO Box 777, LONDON SE1 6XH.For information and advice on this or any other issue go to www.adviceguide.org.uk or contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Advice from Manchester Citizens Advice Bureau Service, District Office, Swan Buildings, 20, Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JW, Tel: 0161 839 7300
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