NHS - Exempt from prescription charges

[loobieloo123]

Hello, this sounds awfully mean but I wondered if anyone knew if you are taking Armour Thyroid, for which you paid privately, are you still exempt from paying prescriptions charges or would you only be exempt if you are taking thyroxin for Hypothyroidism. I was just curious. Thank you to you all.

[loobieloo123]

Hello delicious21, thank you very much, that is very kind of you to reply. It does sound a bit mean but obviously the Armour is very costly so it would help if I don't have to pay for NHS prescriptions. Thank you.

[Clutter]

Loobieloo123,

You will only be exempt for NHS prescriptions, not private prescriptions.

[loobieloo123 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you Clutter very kind of you

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

loobieloo123,

The exemption is because you have been diagnosed with one of the qualifying conditions. It doesn't matter what is prescribed - so long as you need a thyroid hormone.

nhsbsa.nhs.uk/exemption-cer...

Trouble is, the exemption would only be for NHS prescriptions. So, for example, as long as your GP is aware that you suffer hypothyroidism and need and get a thyroid hormone medicine, you should be entitled to a Medicial Exemption Certificate (Medex). It won't help with the Armour (if that is privately prescribed) but would cover anything prescribed on the NHS.

If your GP doesn't accept your need for thyroid hormone, I can't see you getting a Medex.

[loobieloo123 in reply to helvella]

Thank you helvella, that is very helpful and very informative. I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

[silverfox7]

Many years ago which now feels like the dark ages I wasdiagnosed with an underactive Thyroid and was put of NDT or extract as it was called then. I was not allowed free prescriptions of NDT as it was still classed as a good supplement. About 3 years down the line there was a prolonged strike in Canada where my NDT came from and so I was without my medication for 3 months and I was feeling rock bottom so I said I wanted to give Levo a go.

Once on Levo I was told I could now have free prescriptions! So I elected to stay on the Levo as I didn't think it was fair before that I couldn't apply. Thankfully I equally stable of the Levo till menopause when everything went hay wire! So back on NDT. So I fully understand your feelings about whether it was possible to be exempt. Thankfully that lapsed a while ago!

[loobieloo123]

Thank you Silverfox 7 for your kind reply.