HELP WITH HEALTH CARE COSTS - PRESCRIPTIONS ETC.

[libby7827]

I've noticed over the months that sometimes people assume they have to pay for prescriptions etc just because they may not be in receipt of a certain benefit.

If you don't get the relative benefits that automatically get you free prescriptions but are on a low income, you can apply for an HC2 which could give you full or partial help with the cost - here's a link for you:-

nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HealthCosts

.

Also you can get an exemption certificate if you have:-

"A continuing physical disability which means the person cannot go out without the help of another person. Temporary disabilities do not count even if they last for several months".

Hope this is useful to someone.

Libby

[sillywitch]

Hi Libby, I believe you also get free ,scripts if you need Thyroxyn, Karen x

[libby7827 in reply to sillywitch]

Hi Karen, I'm not sure, you probably know better than me! There is a list of certain conditions that would qualify you for exemption within the link above - I tend to suffer from tunnel vision and only see the ones that would affect my conditions! Libby

[sillywitch in reply to libby7827]

I only know because before they became free in Wales I had to pay & I had a pre pay card, but as soon as I was diagnosed as having an underactive thyroid gland my scripts were free xx

[Gordon57]

Thank you so much for this one - Yes, it says so at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1126.aspx and I have checked with the NHS in Newcastle, who deal with this.

They say to apply via your own GP. There's a 3 part form to fill in, which the surgery will have. The patient makes a declaration that they qualify on those grounds. If the GP agrees, they sign and send the form off. A certificate for free NHS prescriptions is then issued in the name of the applicant, and it's valid for 5 years.

If you have low income and qualify for a HC2 this is also valid for a spouse and gives free dental treatment and eye check/glasses.

[libby7827 in reply to Gordon57]

Hi Gordon, just to clarify, so it doesn't put some people off applying if they think they have to see their doctor first, to apply on grounds of low income, you just apply direct and mine is valid for 12 months. But yes, if it's on the grounds if disability you have to go down the gp route. Libby

[Hidden]

It's very easy to get an exemption if you fall into one of the exempt categories, just ask your gp and the card comes in the post a week or two later. I got mine on the grounds of very low adrenal function, caused by 40-odd yrs on prednisolone. Many people do not know that this, and low thyroid function, give you exemption. I imagine the "continuing physical disability" one is a category many people could fall into, if their gp agrees they need help to go out.

ff x

[Gordon57]

I asked at my GP surgery and they gave me the form for exemption, I filled it in and passed it back. The GP checks to see if what you claim is correct, signs it and sends it off.

I've just been told he's signed my form as he agrees that I can't get out to the pharmacy for my prescriptions without help and it's certainly not short term.

I had the HC2 before and you're right Libby, I was too keen to cover the exemption certificate that I may have misled people into thinking they need to see their GP for the HC2 certificate on low income grounds, you don't.