On 1 April 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) introduced a new Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) to reduce the cost of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for patients.
The certificate will be valid for 12 months and covers an unlimited number of listed HRT medicines for the cost of two single prescription charges.
Patients could save money if they pay more than two HRT prescription charges within 12 months.
The HRT PPC will be available to buy in one single payment online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc, or in-person at some pharmacies. Patients can also call 0300 330 2089 for help and support.
Before buying an HRT PPC, a patient should check if:
- they’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions using the eligibility checker: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check
- their medicine is covered by the HRT PPC. For a list of eligible HRT medication, visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc-medicines
- a 3 or 12 month PPC is more suitable. It covers all NHS prescriptions, not just HRT items. Visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc
It is the patient’s responsibility to check that they have the right exemption or certificate in place when claiming free NHS prescriptions and signing the declaration on the prescription form.