Prescriptions to Rise in Price in April
In the News
NHS prescription costs in England are to rise from next month despite the cost of living crisis squeezing households.
The price of a prescription is rising by 30p from April 1, from £9.35 to £9.65 - an increase of 3.2%.
The cost of prescription pre-payment certificates (PPCs) - which cover multiple NHS prescriptions for a set price - will also increase.
A three-month PPC is going up from £30.25 to £31.25, and a 12-month PPC will increase from £108.10 to £111.60.
The cost of wigs and fabric supports will also rise, while the recently introduced PPC for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) will cost £19.30.
Sounds like an increase below inflation which I guess is good news sort of. For those in low paid work struggling with bills they may make the choice to reduce or even stop their medication or try to find cheaper over the counter alternatives which may not be as effective. This could lead to more hospital admissions and cost more.
It's disgusting that only people in England have to pay prescription costs whereas its free elsewhere in the UK. This makes no sense for a UNITED kingdom.
It’s still good value and if you have a conscientious pharmacist then they’ll sell you the item if it’s less than the prescription.
Nadiaparveen it’s always a bonus if the pharmacist comments and saves you some money.
For the lasr few years I have done a pre paid but I now don't have to pay thank goodness.
This is so bad considering other GB countries don't pay at all. If people can't afford medicines they won't get them which might mean their problems worsen and hospital treatment is needed. Great logic from the so called intelligentsia within our government!
Lynibis You're also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner (including civil partner) receive, or you're under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:
Income Support
income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Universal Credit and meet the criteria
Where I am we pay for Dr's not prescriptions. We pay £30-40 for a visit. I had to pay for an extra because it wasn't an emergency but to find out what is happening to my back. That was £25 and I had to pay for a referral to a clinic at hospital. Our out of hours surgery is around £100
Why do we get free prescriptions when we reach the age of 60, but our pensions don't begin until 67 ?it's nonsense.
Auntielettie It has to do with a man who quite rightly fought for the age to be the same for both genders when it used to be free prescriptions for women at 60 - but men had to wait until they were 65. The 60 age criteria has not changed since then.
Us men want EQUALITY! 
Perhaps the English (all genders) should fight for equality with the Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish too.
The Government was looking to increase the age to the national retirement age at some stage soon. Not sure if they got any further with this - but I am sure they will do as soon as they can
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