NHS season ticket saver’s a welcome shot in the arm
MORE than a million patients could have saved £40 on prescriptions last year by signing up for an NHS “season ticket” for their health.
The Prescription Payment Certificate (PPC) allows people to pay just once then get free NHS prescriptions for a year.
Last financial year it cost £104 for 12 months and in return you do not have to pay for prescriptions, which cost £9 each in England over the period.
More than a million people in England bought 16 items each at a cost of £144, or £40 more than if they had bought the PPC, according to MoneySavingExpert.com.
In April, the prescription charge in England rose to £9.15 per item. While the PPR now costs £105.90 it still saves cash for those who pay for 12 or more prescription items a year.
You could get a three-month PPC for £29.65, which represents a saving for those who pay for more than three prescribed items.
MoneySavingExpert’s news and investigations editor Steve Nowottny said: “A huge number of patients are paying more than they need for medicine and other items.”
He said it works best for those with chronic illness, who will be aware they may need to pay for lots of prescriptions: “As a rule, if you pay for a prescription more than once a month, this is likely to cut the cost.”
Nowottny said many are unaware these season tickets are available, despite NHS efforts: “First check your eligibility for free prescriptions on website NHSbsa.nhs.uk.”
Those prescribed common medication such as painkillers or dermatology creams that are also available over the counter, could find they are cheaper to buy that way.