Exemption from prescription charges for MPD medication.

[Mazcd]

Are you taking medication for your MPD?

Are you paying prescription charges for this medication?

Well you don't need to. In 2008 the World Health Organization – WHO – reclassified all the MPDs, polycythaemia vera - PV, essential thrombocythaemia - ET, and myelofibrosis - MF, as ‘myeloproliferative neoplasms’, hence the use of MPN on some websites and in medical papers, though we still use the term ‘myeloproliferative disorders’ MPDs. This reclassification put MPDs on the spectrum of rare blood cancers, very low down on the spectrum, and from 2009 all people in England who are receiving medication for the treatment of cancer have been exempt from prescription charges. The exemption came into force for people living in Scotland in April 2011, all prescriptions in Wales and Northern Ireland are free, regardless of the medication prescribed.

So, if you are taking medication for your MPD and don't yet have an exemption card you need to apply for one using a FP92A. You can get a FP92A from your GP surgery or your haematologist, you need to complete one section and your doctor or haematologist completes the other, then post off your form and you will receive your exemption card which is valid for 5 years, you will automatically receive a reminder when you need to renew it.

If you have any problems getting a FP92A from your GP surgery or haematologist please let me know and I will send one to you.

[KevinJH]

It wasn't until I came to this forum that I became aware of this issue. Whilst I don't mind paying currently £10.40 per month for my meds. it is a little galling that not one of the doctors to whom I've had contact over the last eighteen months - and there's been a few - has brought it to my attention. It is an entitlement to which I'll be applying for next time I see my g.p.

[piggie50]

I too was paying until I received the MPD Voice newsletter. My doctor did not think I qualified until I printed the relevant page on the website. I now have my exemption certificate and wish I had known about this 2 years ago.

[geordie]

I also have an exception certificate after showing my doctor the MPD Voice page identifying that PV was a cancer. Also if you have cancer you are classed as having a disability, which allows you to be exempt from VAT of products purchased disability aids. Unfortunately electric bikes are not yet classed as a disability aid but I believe this is being looked into.

[millycat]

Thanks next tme I see my GP I wll be sorting out my application

[Hidden]

Hi , I have E.T, and only take Aspirin, " Do i qualify for the exemption card?

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to Hidden]

Hi Jase, yes you do qualify.

[Swede]

Hi,

I have got the FP92A (but they never gave me the prepaid envelop that it says I should have had) but on the form, I have to fill in part one and two, NOT the GP or haematologist.

Also, there is no question about my medication, as is referred to in the MPD voice information about the matter.

??

[ciye in reply to Swede]

I filled in the form, dropped it at surgery, my card arrived about 10 days later.

[Swede in reply to ciye]

Thx,that was 9years ago!

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Swede, I know that some GP surgeries keep the envelope when they hand out the forms at the reception desk, the GP has to sign and stamp the form to confirm that you do indeed have one of the qualifying medical conditions listed on it, so once you have completed your details you just need to take the form back to the surgery for it to be signed and they will post it for you. Some people have their forms signed and stamped during a consultation with either their GP or haematologist so will be given the envelope with the form. You do not have to put the details of the medication you are taking, the form just confirms that you have one of the qualifying medical conditions and that you are then entitled to be exempt from any prescription charges for any medication you are prescribed for that condition.

[Belgobrit72]

I get all my medication from the hospital pharmacy and never had to pay for my medication, even before they gave me the application form for the exemption card. I do pay for my aspirin as I feel it is only fair and not worth getting prescriptions for it.