A to Z of MS Prescription charges

Prescription charges vary around the UK.

• In England there is a charge of £7.85.
• In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are no prescription charges.

Free prescriptions in England

In England, prescriptions are free for people who:

• are 60 or over
• are under 16
• aged 16-18 and in full-time education
• are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)
• have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
• have a continuing physical disability that prevents you from going out without help from another person and have a valid MedEx
• hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
• are an NHS inpatient

The application form for a maternity exemption certificate (MatEx) is form FW8 and is available from a doctor, nurse, midwife or health visitor. The certificate is valid for a year after the birth.

The application form for a medical exemption certificate (MedEx) certificate is form FP92A and is available from a doctor. The certificate lasts for five years and can be renewed.

Help with prescription charges

Pre-payment Certificates (PPC) are available to help people who need prescription medicines on a regular basis to spread the cost of prescription charges.

A three month PPC costs £29.10 and an annual PPC costs £104. These charges cover all prescription costs during the period. This charge was not increasedg when the individual prescription charge changed in April 2013.

To apply for a PPC:

• ring 0845 850 0030
• apply online at the NHS Business Services Authority website
• complete form FP95, which is available from pharmacies

or

• visit a pharmacy registered to sell PPCs

For people on low incomes, full or partial help with prescription costs can be provided under the NHS Low Income Scheme.

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