NHS Prepayment Prescription Certificate (PPC)
If you regularly take repeat prescription medications but don’t get them for free (are not exempt) from the NHS, a PPC could save you a lot of money in the long run
What is a PPC?
If you don't have an NHS exemption, you'll need to pay £9.65 for each prescription you get. But there's a way to save money if you need a lot of prescriptions. It's called a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). Think of it like a pass for all your prescriptions.
There are two types of PPC:
- One that lasts for 3 months and costs £31.25
- One that lasts for 12 months and costs £111.60
Starting last year, there's also a special PPC for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medication. It lasts for 12 months and costs the same as two regular prescriptions, which is £19.30 in total.
Remember
If you have a PPC, it's up to you to keep track of when it expires and to make sure you pay for it on time. If you use an expired PPC, it might not work anymore, and you could receive a penalty. If you're paying for a 12-month PPC in monthly installments, make sure you pay each installment on time to avoid any problems.
How Much Can You Save with a PPC?
PPCs save you a lot of money, especially if you need several prescriptions every month. Let's say you need two prescriptions regularly for a long-term condition. Buying a 12-month PPC for £111.60 could save you £120.00 in a year. And if you need more prescriptions, the savings get even bigger.
How to Purchase a PPC
Before you buy a PPC, make sure to see if you're eligible for free prescriptions on the NHS website. If you're not eligible, you can buy a PPC online straight from the NHS website. If you go for the 3-month PPC, you'll pay all at once. But if you choose the 12-month one, you can spread the cost over 10 monthly payments using Direct Debit.
Once you buy it, you'll get an email with all your PPC info. Just remember, your PPC starts from the day you buy it. So, plan your purchase accordingly.
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