Prescription charges increase yet again next month (to £8.40 each), so now's a good time to remind anyone having more than 12 prescriptions over a full year that a PPC (Prepayment Certificate) will save money - and potentially a lot of money.

The 12 month PPC costs just £104, and the 3 month one costs £29.10. And the 12 month PPC will cost just £10.40 a month (for 10 months only) with a direct debit.

IF YOU'RE BUYING JUST 2 ITEMS A MONTH THIS WILL SAVE YOU MONEY - £97.60 A YEAR WITH 2 ITEMS A MONTH, AND ANOTHER £100.80 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL MONTHLY PRESCRIPTION.

ALMOST £300 A YEAR SAVED ON 4 PRESCRIPTIONS A MONTH

Two additional things to remember, though:

1 Certain medical conditions will give you a completely free medical exemption certificate (see below*)

and

2 You can claim back previous prescription costs for up to 3 months after buying the PPC so long as you ask the chemist for and retain the receipt forms FP57.

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Did you know you can save money with a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC)?

If you know you’ll have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions it may be cheaper to buy a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) – effectively a prescription 'season ticket'. A PPC covers you for all of your own NHS prescriptions, including dental prescriptions, no matter how many items you need. However, this does not include other health costs, for example the provision of wigs and fabric supports which are only provided through the hospital service.There are two PPC options to choose from:

1. A three month PPC costs £29.10 and could save you money if you need more than three prescribed items in three months

2. A 12 month PPC costs £104.00 and could save you money if you need more than 12 prescribed items in a year

How much can I save?

• If you need two items each month you can save over £90 with a 12 month PPC
• If you need three items each month you can save over £190 with a 12 month PPC
• If you need four items each month you can save over £285 with a 12 month PPC

There are several payment options available. If you choose the 12 month PPC, you can pay for this by 10 monthly direct debit instalments.

Please check if you are entitled to free prescriptions before you apply for your PPC.

It's quickest to buy your PPC online. The PPC will start from the day you submit your application, unless you request a different start date. However, the start date must be within one month before or after the date of your application.

If you prefer talking to someone, you can call the PPC order line on 0300 330 1341. Again, your certificate is valid from the day you make the phone call unless you request otherwise.

Ensure you have your bank details or credit/debit card details ready.

Although the PPC is valid from the day of your application it may take a couple of days to receive your certificate. This means, until your PPC arrives you may have to pay for your prescription in advance and ask for a refund afterwards.

You can apply by post as well. Complete and sign your application form and send it with a cheque, postal order or credit/debit card details to:
NHS Help with Health Costs
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 854
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 2DE
Print off a PPC application form here or pick one up from your GP surgery or pharmacy.

Some pharmacies may be able to sell you a prescription prepayment certificate. However, you won’t be able to pay via direct debit if you purchase from a pharmacist. Please either contact your local pharmacy or view the list of registered pharmacies on the NHSBSA website (bottom of the page) to find out who is selling PPCs.

Useful tips

Remember to apply for a new PPC in good time, otherwise you will have to pay full prescription charges if your PPC runs out.
If you have to pay for prescriptions while you are waiting for a new PPC and need to apply for a refund, ask the pharmacist for a refund and receipt form (FP57) in order to claim back the costs. You can claim for the refund of prescription charges up to three months after paying. The refund and receipt form (FP57) explains what to do.
If you buy a 12 month PPC by direct debit you are entering a commitment to pay all the instalments. If you use the PPC after failing to pay an instalment you may incur a penalty charge.

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*People with certain medical conditions can get free NHS prescriptions if they hold a valid medical exemption certificate.

You can get all your NHS prescriptions free if you have a valid medical exemption certificate because you have:

a permanent fistula (for example, caecostomy, colostomy, laryngos-tomy or ileostomy) which needs continuous surgical dressing or an appliance;
a form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison’s Disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential;
diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism;
diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone;
hypoparathyroidism;
myasthenia gravis;
myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism which needs thyroid hormone replacement);
epilepsy which needs continuous anticonvulsive therapy;
a continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without the help of another person; or
cancer and are undergoing treatment for:
- cancer;
- the effects of cancer; or,
- the effects of cancer treatment.

You can only get a certificate if you have a condition on the list. If you are not sure about the name of your condition, check with your doctor. Doctors may advise you about free prescriptions. However, it is up to you to find out if you are entitled to an exemption certificate.
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