Quick links on this page:
- How much will I now pay for prescriptions?
- I already get free prescriptions – will I now have to pay £5.00?
- What is a Prescription Pre-payment Certificate (PPC)?
- How much will a PPC cost me?
- If I buy a reduced cost PPC, will I get free prescriptions in other UK countries?
- Where can I buy a PPC?
- What if I have purchased a PPC prior to the reduction in cost?
- How can I get a refund?
- I am normally resident in Scotland but currently live elsewhere in the UK. Will I pay the reduced prescription charges?
- I live in Scotland but am registered with a GP practice in England – will I be eligible to pay the reduced prescription charges?
- What is an Entitlement Card?
- How do I get an Entitlement Card?
- More questions?
Q How much will I now pay for prescriptions?
A In April 2008, the cost of an NHS prescription was reduced to £5.00 per item. The reduced Scottish prescription charge will apply only to Scottish prescriptions dispensed in Scotland.
Q I already get free prescriptions – will I now have to pay £5.00?
A No. If you already get free prescriptions, for example if you are over 60, you will continue to do so. Current exemption arrangements will continue until the planned abolition of prescription charges in 2011.
Q What is a Prescription Pre-payment Certificate (PPC)?
A A PPC is a pre-paid certificate which covers the cost of all NHS prescription items dispensed while the certificate is valid. PPCs can be purchased for a four or twelve month period.
Q How much will a Prescription Pre-Payment Certificate cost me?
A In April 2008, the cost of PPCs came down by 51% to £17.00 for a four-month certificate and £48.00 for a twelve-month certificate.
Q If I buy a reduced cost PPC, will I get free prescriptions in other UK countries?
A Yes. Your Scottish PPC will be valid throughout the UK.
Q Where can I buy a PPC?
A PPCs are available over the counter from your local community pharmacist or dispensing doctor. Alternatively a PPC can be purchased via post from NHS National Services Scotland, Practitioner Services Division (PSD). PSD provides administrative services to the NHS National Services Scotland. Further information can be found at www.psd.scot.nhs.uk.
Q What if I have purchased a PPC prior to the reduction in cost?
A Your current PPC will remain valid until the expiry date shown on the certificate.
If your PPC remains valid for one or more complete months beyond April 2008, you will be able to claim a refund of the difference in cost.
The refund amounts are:
- £4.72 for each complete month of a four month PPC
- £4.23 for each complete month of a twelve month PPC
Q How can I get a refund?
A If you are eligible for a refund, Practitioner Services Division (PSD) of NHS National Services Scotland will write to you with a claim form and patient information leaflet. On receipt of the signed claim form PSD will issue the refund.
Please note your PPC remains valid until its expiry date and should NOT be returned with the claim form.
If you have any further enquiries regarding a refund, please call PSD on 0845 300 1285.
Q I am normally resident in Scotland but currently live elsewhere in the UK. Will I pay the reduced prescription charge?
A No. If you are living within the UK but outwith Scotland and are registered with a GP practice where you are currently living, the amount of the prescription charge you pay will be decided by that country.
If you obtain an NHS prescription form elsewhere in the UK and present it for dispensing in Scotland, you will be required to pay the charge applicable in England on the date of dispensing.
Q I live in Scotland but am registered with a GP practice in England – will I be eligible to pay the reduced prescription charges?
A Yes, but only if you present your prescriptions for dispensing in Scotland together with an Entitlement Card (see next question).
Q What is an Entitlement Card?
A An Entitlement Card is a special card which will be issued free of charge to patients who live in Scotland but are registered with a local GP practice in England.
The Card entitles a patient to pay the Scottish prescription charge only when a prescription is presented, with the Entitlement Card, for dispensing in Scotland. The name and address on the card must match those on your English prescription form.
Q How do I get an Entitlement Card?
A If you qualify, Practitioner Services Division (PSD) of NHS National Services Scotland will contact you in writing, inviting you to sign a declaration confirming your eligibility for an Entitlement Card. On receipt of your signed declaration PSD will issue you with a card.
Q More questions?
A If you have any other questions, click here to email us and we will do our best to answer them.
