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  • Writer's pictureHealthwatch Reading

Today, NHS prescription charges rise to £9.90 per item

Updated: May 14


Today the cost of an NHS prescription will increase, rising from £9.65 to £9.90 per item in England.


A 12-month NHS prescription prepayment certificate, which covers all NHS prescriptions for a set price, increases from £111.60 to £114.50. 

Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society said prescription charges in England should be scrapped.
 “This is a dark day for patients. Amid the cost of living crisis, the rise in prescription charges will hit working people on low incomes the hardest. The relentless annual increase in the prescription charge is making medicines unaffordable for many. This is totally unacceptable.
Every day pharmacists are asked by patients who are unable to afford all the items in their prescription which ones they can ‘do without.'"
     Tase Oputu, Chairman - Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Full details of the new charges from 1 May 2024:

Item

Current charge (1 April 2023 to 30 April 2024)

Charge from 1 May 2024

Change in £

Single prescription charge

£9.65

£9.90

£0.25

3-month PPC

£31.25

£32.05

£0.80

12-month PPC

£111.60

£114.50

£2.90

HRT PPC

£19.30

£19.80

£0.50

Surgical bra

£31.70

£32.50

£0.80

Abdominal or spinal support

£47.80

£49.05

£1.25

Stock acrylic wig

£78.15

£80.15

£2.00

Partial human hair wig

£207.00

£212.35

£5.35

Full bespoke human hair wig

£302.70

£310.55

£7.85


The cost of living crisis has put many people under financial strain, and prescription costs are more than some can afford. There is help out there to help you cover the cost of your medication.


See if you are eligible for help

The Government has a five-minute online survey that will let you know if you can get free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests.



 

More information and advice

For more information and support paying for your prescriptions, check out the following resources:


Tell us what you think about the costs of prescriptions and we will share your feedback with the local NHS leaders anonymously.


Call: 0118 214 5579
Online: click here to complete a short online form.

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