NHS Prescription prices are changing from 1st April 2023

In England, The National Health Service (NHS) has recently made changes to prescription charges, and it's essential for patients to stay informed.

Prices are increasing

Starting from April 2023, the cost of a single prescription item in England will increase by 20p to £9.55 from the current price of £9.35. This increase is part of a wider range of funding measures designed to support the NHS and maintain the quality of care for patients. Although this increase may seem small, it can add up for patients who require multiple medications.

The cost of a pre-payment certificate (PPC) will also increase from 1 April 2023. The price of a three-month PPC will increase by 55p to £31.80, while the cost of a 12-month PPC will increase by £2.20 to £116.00. Patients who require multiple medications can save money by purchasing a PPC rather than paying for each prescription item separately.

New medical conditions that will qualify for exemption

The list of medical conditions that qualify for exemption from prescription charges remains the same, but there are some important updates to note. From April 2023, the list of medical conditions that qualify for exemption will be expanded to include all diagnosed cancers, including cancer in remission, and all patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer. This change will benefit around 160,000 cancer patients who currently pay for their prescriptions. Other updates include expanding the list of qualifying medical conditions to include obesity and surgery for gender reassignment.

Order your prescriptions online to save money

Patients can continue to use the Chemist4U App to order and manage their prescriptions, including requesting repeat prescriptions and having their medication delivered discreetly and directly to their home for free.

Staying informed of future changes

To conclude, patients in England should be aware of the changes to NHS prescription charges from April 2023. The cost of a single prescription item and the cost of a PPC will increase, and the list of medical conditions that qualify for exemption will be expanded. Patients who require multiple medications can save money by purchasing a PPC, and online services can be used to manage prescriptions. It's important to stay informed about these changes to manage medications effectively and save money on prescription charges.