What Determines Whether You Have To Pay For Nhs Prescriptions? This Seems Very Unfair

[Raidergal2022]

My cousin has hypothyroidism and gets his Levothyroxine prescription free on the NHS

Yet I have chronic rhinitis/with polyps which is lifelong and causes frustrating symptoms/loss of sleep and have to spend £27 per month for my medication. That’s nearly £320 per year

Also people with asthma don’t get free prescriptions.

What is it that determines whether someone gets medical exemption for paying for their prescription on the NHS?

[sunny-dave]

The most you should pay is £108.10 for a 12 month pre-payment certificate :

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/save-money-with-a-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc/

[Zacs-Master]

The cost of the drug/s?

[sunny-dave]

This explains who gets 'free' prescriptions :

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/who-can-get-free-prescriptions/

It isn't fair or equitable in any way - but these are the current rules.

[jno]

I can't answer your question but would you qualify for a season ticket?

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/save-money-with-a-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc/

[douglas9401]

What he said^^. I had one of those before the second enlightenment.

[bobbinwales]

I have always had to pay for all my proscriptions since I was about 18 i think. Are you working raidergal ?

[Scarlett]

Re. your rhinitis/polyps, have you tried a sugar and carb free diet? I went carb, free for three months to reduce my glucose levels, and when I went to see the ENT, all of my nasal polyps had vanished! You could try this, and it would save you all that money on Prescriptions.

[Hopkirk]

Move to Scotland

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"a permanent fistula (for example, caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or ileostomy) which needs continuous surgical dressing or an appliance

a form of hypoadrenalism (for example, Addison’s Disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential

diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism

diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone

hypoparathyroidism

myasthenia gravis

myxoedema (that is, hypothyroidism which needs thyroid hormone replacement)

epilepsy which needs continuous anticonvulsive therapy

a continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without the help of another person

cancer and are undergoing treatment for either:
cancer
the effects of cancer
the effects of cancer treatment

These are the only conditions that entitle you to a medical exemption certificate. If you’re not sure about the name of your condition, speak to your doctor."

Source:
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check-if-you-have-nhs-exemption/medical-exemption-certificates

[Raidergal2022]

Bobbin wales - yea work full
time

Some months I pay slightly higher/less for prescription I didn’t even know that yearly prepayment existed I will certainly benefit, thanks.

I would still like to rant at how unfair the process is though

[Hopkirk]

I was surprised to stop paying when I turned 60.

[Raidergal2022]

Scarlett - no I haven’t tried sugar and carb free I’l be honest I don’t mind cutting out sugar but find that I do rely on carbs for my energy

[Raidergal2022]

Buen, thanks I suppose I am looking for what those conditions have in common which warrant free prescription

It can’t be that they are lifelong or serious as other conditions like asthma are such but are not included

[bednobs]

Most of those are things that would kill you if you didn't have medicine for it

[dave50]

Most of those who contribute nothing to society are the ones who get the most out of society such as free prescriptions. Those who pay their way get nowt as usual.

[barry1010]

Dave, many people who get free prescriptions are working full time, even those who don't pay due to their medical conditions.
And not everyone living in Scotland and Wales is on the dole although none of them pay.

Is the contraceptive pill still free for all women who want it in England? Just curious

[Redhelen72]

Just to annoy Dave50 more NI gets free scripts too

[barry1010]

Indeed they do. The fact is that in England only around 10% of prescriptions are paid for.
Even if you have a lot of prescriptions long term the most people in England should be paying works out at £2.10 a week for an annual pre-payment certificate; those who need a lot short term can buy a 3 month pre-payment for the equivalent of £2.50 a week

[roopower]

I also get free prescriptions as I take Levothyroxine but my son, who has rheumatoid arthritis and is on life long medication has to pay. He pays for a year upfront, I can't remember how much it is but it saves him a great deal of money. Ask at your pharmacy.

[bednobs]

yes, the pill is still free. MAP needs to be paid for depending on your age