Lots of us have medication. Some of us take it every day for underlying illnesses. Others take it occasionally after a doctors visit. A lot of the medication we get offered by doctors we have to pay for at the pharmacy. With the annual increase in prescription charges, how can we save money on NHS prescription charges? Is there any way of actually saving money on the medication we need? Let’s have a look and try to save some cash.
What Is A Prescription?
Firstly we need to know what a prescription is. In it’s simplest form a prescription is a communication between a doctor to a pharmacist, authorising them to give the individual named, a specific drug. The individual takes the prescription to the pharmacy and pays for the medication before it is given to them. In England, the current charge is £9.35 per item. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free of charge. For those in England, how can you save money on NHS prescription charges?
Get a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)
One of the best ways of saving money on your medication is with a prescription prepayment certificate. Also known as a PPC. This certificate lets you get as much medication as required for a set price. Rather than paying for each individual item, if you have a PPC you can get what you need for a set duration. It costs £30.25 for 3 months or £108.10 for 12 months and the quickest way to buy it is online. If you were to get 2 items per month at a charge of £9.35 per item, you’d be spending £18.70 every month. Doing the maths shows that if you have quite a bit of medication, you can save a fair bit of money with a prescription prepayment certificate. A PPC can be a great way to save money on NHS prescription charges.
Are You Entitled To Free Prescriptions?
Of course, you need to double check whether or not you are entitled to free prescriptions. As well as those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, some people in England are exempt from paying for prescriptions. If you are 60 years of age or older you do not pay. If you are under 16 you get prescriptions for free. Those 16-18 and in full time education get it free too. Those who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months qualifiy for free prescriptions. NHS inpatients also get the medication for free. In fact, there is a whole long list of people who get free prescriptions. Simply checking if you are on the list and qualify for free medication is a great way to save money on NHS prescription charges.
Lots of our financial situations have changed over the last year or so and if you are in receipt of certain benefits you might be eligible for free prescriptions. If you get universal credit and meet the criteria you will be able to get your medication for free. Check what your benefits or current situation entitles you too. There are also certain medical conditions which allow you to get free prescriptions. Check the list and see if you can save money on NHS prescription charges.
Is It Cheaper Over The Counter?
Sometimes, it’s actually cheaper to by the drug you need over the counter. So often a pharmacist will spot this and talk to you, saving you money and stopping you having to pay for the cost of the prescription. It’s always worth asking as there could be a cheaper way for you to get the medication. There are lots of online forums where you can see what is generally cheaper if you buy it over the counter rather than paying for the prescription charge. Get the knowledge of this and you can save money on NHS prescription charges.
As you can see, there are a few ways that you can save money on the medication you might need. Check if you need to pay for your prescriptions, save money with a PPC and always check if there is a cheaper over the counter alternative. It will results in a little bit of extra cash in your pocket whilst staying healthy.
