Prescription Certificates

Citizens Advice Bureau
Macclesfield CAB,
Sunderland House, Sunderland Street,
Macclesfield SK11 6JF
Tel: 01625 426303
Q 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.

A 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 whereas a 3-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 have been able to 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 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 Authority PPC Issue Office, PO Box 854, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE99 2DE.

For more information, or to apply online, just click on:
www.macclesfieldcab.org.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.