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Last updated on 31/03/08
Return to the Fact Sheet Contents Page General Information Patients can get free National Health Service Prescriptions if they are in one of the groups listed below when their prescription is dispensed. They should mark the appropriate box on the back of the prescription form to say why they do not have to pay and then sign and date the form. If the patient is not going to the pharmacy, the person collecting the prescription should mark the box, sign and date the form and put their own name and address where indicated. Patients who can get free prescriptions
Women who are pregnant should apply for an exemption certificate using form (FW8) which is available from their General Practitioner, Midwife, or Health Visitor. After they have filled it in they should ask the General Practitioner, Midwife, or Health Visitor to sign it and send it to: Women who have had a baby during the last 12 months who didn't get an exemption certificate when they were pregnant, should use form (FW8) as above. People who have one or more of the conditions as listed below should apply for an exemption certificate using form (FP 92A) which is available from their General Practitioner, Hospital or Pharmacist.
If your exemption certificate is due to expire you should receive notification about 3 weeks before hand. If you have not received this then telephone 0845 601 8076 giving your Postcode and Date Of Birth. Return to the top of this page Pre-Payment Certificate If none of these apply to you, you may still be able to get your prescription costs reduced by buying a prepayment certificate. A 3 month certificate costs £27.85 and a years certificate costs £102.50. It saves money if you need over 14 items a year or over 3 items in 3 months on prescription. Since the 1st October 2002 the pre-payment system has been run by the Prescription Pricing Authority. To buy a prepayment you can either post your request to: PPC Issue Office or you can purchase over the phone with credit/debit cards, call: 0845 850 0030 How to claim a refund If you have paid for a Pre-Payment Certificate (PPC) and you become exempt from paying for prescriptions, you may be able to get some or all of the money back for your PPC. You have to apply for a refund within 3 months of payment. See leaflet HC11 - help with health costs, for a full explanation. Prescription Ordering Information You can now order your repeat perscriptions electronically via the PCT website. Log onto the Doncaster PCT website (www.doncasterpct.nhs.uk), go to GP details, select your Group Practicer, depending which one you usually attend, then select request repeat prescription. After reading the terms and conditions register with the system filling in all details carefully and adding all your regular repeat and as required medicines. Low Income Scheme The Low Income Scheme for help with National Health Charges, is operated by the Health Benefits Division. Requirements are made up in the same way as the Income Support (IS) applicable amount, including premiums but with some changes. The Benefits Agency decides if your income is "low" by comparing your "requirements" with your "resources". If your income is less than or equal to your "requirements", you are entitled to full help with National Health Service charges. The Health Benefits Division will send you an HC2 certificate. If your income is higher than your "requirements" you cannot get any help with the cost of National Health prescriptions. Prescription charges in 2007/2008 are £7.10 for each item. Main Dispensing Chemists in Doncaster are: Boots the Chemist HL Weldricks Ltd For a complete list of dispensing chemists in Doncaster please refer to the Thomson Local Directory 2007 - 2008 page 131. DIAL Disclaimer |
