Are you missing out on prescription charge savings?
You may be able to save on prescription costs by buying prepayment certificates
Through a Freedom of Information request MoneySavingExpert.com has obtained data from the NHS Business Services Authority, which shows 1,064,992 people paid for at least 12 individual prescriptions in 2021-22 instead of paying for a pre-payment certificate which would have cost less. Because this group paid on average for 16 prescriptions each, costing £9.35 (£149.60 in total), they paid out around £40 more than if they had paid for a 12 month Pre payment Certificate at a cost of £108.80 for an unlimited amount of prescriptions.
People can buy a three month or 12 month Pre payment Certificate. The cost of a 12 month certificate can be spread over 10 months via direct debit.
What is a prepayment certificate?
A Prepayment Certificate could save you money if you pay for your NHS prescriptions. The certificate covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price. You will save money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months.
You can buy them online or in pharmacies
Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, said:
"We need to spread the word to anyone who regularly gets prescriptions – including some with chronic illnesses – to check out prescription prepayment certificates."
He urged people to get a PPC before any prescription increases, which usually go up each April.
