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A GP writing a prescription.(Image: Anthony Devlin\/PA Wire)<\/p>\nThe latest announcement from the government could ease the cost of living struggle for millions of peopleA GP writing a prescription.(Image: Anthony Devlin\/PA Wire)<\/p>\n
On Monday, the government announced that NHS<\/a> prescription charges in England will be frozen for the first time in three years.<\/p>\n The move will save patients around \u00a318 million next year \u2013 keeping prescriptions under the cost of a tenner, at \u00a39.90 for a single charge.<\/p>\n The freeze comes weeks after the government agreed record investment for community pharmacies to fund local services for patients.<\/p>\n Three-month and annual prescriptions prepayment certificates will also be frozen for 2025\/26, keeping the cost at \u00a332.05 and \u00a3114.50 respectively.<\/p>\n Annual charges can now be made in instalments, meaning those requiring regular medicines will be able to get them for just over \u00a32 a week – further easing the financial impact on households.<\/p>\n Those who are already exempt from paying for their NHS<\/a> prescriptions will remain so.<\/p>\n The six groups of people who are entitled to free prescriptions are:<\/p>\n If you fall into any of the categories listed above, you should provide proof of your exemption to the pharmacy staff when you present your prescription.<\/p>\n This proof could be a valid exemption certificate (e.g., medical exemption, war pension exemption, etc.) or a valid NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC).<\/p>\n The pharmacy staff will check your exemption status against their records. If they can verify your exemption, they will dispense the medication without charging you.<\/p>\n If you initially paid for a prescription but are later found to be eligible for free prescriptions, you can claim a refund within three months of the payment date.<\/p>\n You can determine your eligibility by on the NHSBSA website<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you don’t already have an exemption certificate but feel you may be entitled to one, speak to your GP or doctor. They’ll give you an application form.<\/p>\n You’ll get a certificate in the post within 10 working days of the NHS receiving your application.<\/p>\n\n
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