NHS prescription charges are set to rise to £9.65 next month – here’s everything you need to know.
From April 1 patients in England will need to pay 30p more to collect their prescription, the Government announced today.
GettyFrom April 1 patients in England will need to pay 30p more to collect their prescription[/caption]
England is the only country in the UK that still charges for prescription meds.
Meanwhile Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland scrapped the charges more than a decade ago.
Prescription charges were frozen at £9.35 per item last April to help Brits cope with the cost of living crisis.
But now the Department of Health and Social Care said it will apply an inflation rate of 3.21 per cent.
The cost of prescription pre-payment certificates (PPCs) will also be increased: 3-month PPC increases by £1 to £31.25 and 12-month PPC increases by £3.50 to £111.60.
The recently introduced HRT PPC will cost £19.30.
Charges for prescription wigs and fabric supports will also be increased in line with the inflation rate.
There are some exemptions for patients in England, including for those aged 16-18 and in full-time education or patients once they turn 60.
You are automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you’re included in award for Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
Some drugs, like contraception, are usually free too.