Medical Exemption

[Tjohanna]

Hi New to this forum, I have a question: I have always had a Medical Exemption card for free prescriptions because of my Hypothyroidism (this year I am taking 200 microgram Levothyroxine/day, but I have been on higher doses), but the other day when I asked how to renew my MedEx card, my pharmacy gave me a PPC (Prescription Prepayment certificate) information sheet instead.

Can I no longer have a Medical Exemption card, i.e. do I now have to pay for my Levothyroxine?

Thanks for any advice

Jo

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Tjohanna

It's nothing to do with the pharmacy, whoever gave you the PPC information sheet is incorrect. You see your GP about renewing your certificate.

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

Renewing your certificate

You need to speak to your doctor to re-apply.

We'll send you a reminder around one month before your current certificate expires but it's your own responsibility to check that your certificate is still valid when you claim free prescriptions.

When your medical exemption certificate expires

It's your responsibility to check the expiry date. If you claim free prescriptions after your certificate expires, you could have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100.

[Tjohanna in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thank you very much for your reply!

[wightmouse]

Where I live (uk) I go to the reception at the doctors. They give me the form to fill out (I do it while I'm there) hand it back then they get it signed and send it off. So no need to see Dr. Just tick myxedema on the form.

I then get a new one in the post.

[Tjohanna in reply to wightmouse]

Thank you!

[Jivedancer]

Hi Jo I always got my thyroid meds free plus any others I was prescribed but when you reach age 60 free ! I would question this with the Chemist or maybe check on NHS Gov website?

[Tjohanna in reply to Jivedancer]

Thank you!

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Just to add my usual comment, this applies only to England.

Then go on to say that this illustrates yet again that we must be as careful of believing what pharmacists say as everyone else. Hyping them up as experts on everything to do with medicines does no-one any favours. Some are truly excellent. Others provide duff advice/information.

[Tjohanna in reply to helvella]

Yes, you’re right. Thank you!