Help with NHS costs

In England, around 90% of prescription items are dispensed free. This includes exemptions from charging for those on low incomes, such as:

• those on specific benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme
• those who are age exempt
• those with certain medical conditions
• More information is available at NHS Choices

These charges apply in England only. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales prescriptions are free of charge.

Department of Health and Social Care has announced a 30p (3.21 per cent) rise in prescription charges from 1^st April 2023.

This increases the prescription charge for a single item to £9.65.

The cost of prescription pre-payment certificates (PPCs) will also be increased:

• three-month PPC increases by £1 to £31.25
• 12-month PPC increases by £3.50 to £111.60.
• HRT PPC will cost £19.30.