The Department of Health and Social Care has announced new NHS prescription charges in England.

From 1 May 2024, the NHS prescription charge will rise to £9.90. The cost of an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) will be:

  • £32.05 for three months
  • £114.50 for 12 months (patients can spread the cost and pay in 10 monthly instalments)

The cost of an NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) PPC will be £19.80.

Everyone should check if they are entitled to free NHS prescriptions and other help with health costs at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check.

People who pay for their NHS prescriptions could save with a PPC. Rather than paying £9.90 for each prescription, the three and 12 month PPC covers unlimited NHS prescriptions for the one-off set price. This offers savings for those who need four or more items in three months, or 12 or more items in 12 months.

The quickest way to buy a three or 12 month PPC is online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc.

The HRT PPC covers all listed HRT medicines for 12 months. HRT PPCs can be purchased online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc or in-person at some pharmacies.