A hormone replacement therapy prescription prepayment certificate could save you money on your HRT prescriptions in England
“You can also buy an HRT PPC in-person at some pharmacies”
If you pay for NHS prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medicine three or more times in 12 months, an HRT prescription prepayment certificate (HRT PPC) could save you money.
Each item on an NHS prescription usually costs £9.90. You can buy an HRT PPC for £19.80 for 12 months (the cost of two items).
It will cover all your eligible HRT prescriptions for that period, no matter how many different medicines you need. There’s no limit on the number of HRT prescription items you can get with it while it’s valid.
If you have prescriptions for medicines that are not eligible
If you have other prescriptions that are not for eligible HRT medicines, you may save more with a 3- or 12-month standard PPC.
A standard PPC will save you more than an HRT PPC if you get:
- 4 or more items in a 3-month period and at least 2 are not for eligibleHRT medication
- 12 or more items in a 12-month period and at least 10 are not for eligibleHRT medication
Is your medicine covered by an HRT PPC?
HRT PPCs do not cover all HRT medicines. If you use an HRT PPC to collect a medicine that is not covered, you may receive a penalty charge.
You can check if the medicine you need is covered by the HRT PPC at https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc/medicines-covered-hrt-ppc
If the medicine you need is not listed, check with your GP or pharmacist before purchasing an HRT PPC.
Why some HRT medicines are not covered
HRT PPCs only cover HRT medicines that are also licensed to treat the menopause in the UK.
If your HRT medicine is covered but you take it for reasons other than the menopause, you can still use an HRT PPC.
Before you buy
You’ll need:
- the name of your HRT medicine to check if its covered – you can find this on your prescription or the medicine packaging
- a valid credit or debit card to pay for the HRT PPC
If you are applying on behalf of someone else, fill in the application using their details rather than your own.
HRT PPCs are not refundable so make sure you need to buy one before doing so.
How to buy
You can buy HRT PPCs online: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc
You can also buy an HRT PPC in-person at some pharmacies.
If you need help
NHS Business Services Authority can help you with your HRT PPC application –
HRT PPC help and support: telephone 0300 330 2089.
The information in this article is largely drawn from the following websites: https://www.gov.uk/get-a-ppc/hrt-ppc
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc
