Prescription Price Freezes in England!

It isn’t going to solve the cost-of-living crisis but as the slogan goes “Every little helps”.

Facts about the Freeze
While it isn’t a reduction in the cost of prescription items, it is worth noting that the freeze on prescription price rises is the first such brake on these rises in 12 years. This means that the cost of a prescription item will remain at £9.35 until 1st April 2023.
Note: Prescriptions remain free of charge in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

What does this mean for people with diabetes?
Medical Exemption Certificates (MedEx)
All people with diabetes (except those where the condition is managed by diet alone) are entitled to free prescriptions. Exemption certificates are issued for 5 years. They must be applied for and are not issued automatically. Ask your doctor for an FP92A form to apply for a medical exemption certificate.

A change to note is that all medical exemption certificates due to expire between 14 December 2021 and 1 March 2022 will be extended for a further 6 months from the current date of expiry. You should receive a renewal reminder in the post.

To check eligibility or renew a certificate visit:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/who-can-get-free-prescriptions/#:~:text=Your%20certificate%20will%20be%20valid,certificate%20needs%20to%20be%20renewed

Pre-payment Certificates (PPC)
If you are not eligible for an exemption certificate you may still benefit from purchasing a pre-payment certificate. Anyone can buy a pre-payment certificate for prescription charges and they can save some people a considerable amount of money.
If you pay for more than 12 prescriptions in a year then such a purchase is worth thinking about. PPCs cost £30.25 for three months and £108.10 for 12 months, which can mean savings for those paying for more than one prescription a month.

For more information on PPCs visit:
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/prescription-prepayment-certificates-ppcs

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