NHS prescription costs in England have risen today, prompting pharmacists to warn of a “dark day” for patients.
The price of a single NHS prescription item has increased from £9.65 to £9.90, an increase of around 3%. Additionally, the cost of Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs), which allow patients to pay a fixed price for multiple prescriptions, has also seen an increase. A three-month PPC will now cost £32.05, up from £31.25, while annual PPC will increase from £111.60 to £114.50.
The specific PPC for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has also increased from £19.30 to £19.80. Prices of wigs and fabric stands are also on the rise.
Tase Oputu, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of England, said: “It’s a dark day for patients who will now have to pay almost £10 for each product on their prescription,” reports the Mirror.
New prescription fees
- Single charge: £9.90
- 3 month PPC: £32.05
- 12 month PPC: £114.50
- HRT CPAP over 12 months: £19.80
Wigs and Fabric Stands
- Surgical bra: £32.50
- Abdominal or spinal support: £49.05
- Modacrylic wig in stock: £80.15
- Human hair partial wig: £212.35
- Custom made human hair full wig: £310.55
How to reduce the cost of your NHS prescription
Some people are entitled to free NHS prescriptions, for example if you are aged 60 or over, under 16 or aged 16 to 18 and in full-time education. Other examples include those who have a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx) or Medical Exemption Certificate (MedEx).
Some benefits also entitle you to free NHS prescriptions. You can use the NHS website to check if you are eligible for help. If you need to claim a large number of NHS prescriptions, you could save money by purchasing a PPC.
The amount you could save depends on the amount of medicine you normally need to buy. Earlier this year, research from MoneySavingExpert.com found that almost a million people in England overpaid for their NHS prescriptions in 2022/23 by not buying CPAP.
England remains the only country in the UK to charge for prescriptions, with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland offering prescribed medicines free of charge.
