Prescription charge will be frozen for first time in over a decade

The cost of NHS prescriptions will be frozen for the first time in 12 years to help with the cost of living.

Charges usually increase in line with average inflation, but this year the cost of prescriptions will remain the same to ensure prescription medication does not become inaccessible, the Department for Health and Social Care has announced.

Charges for prescriptions will remain at £9.35 for a single charge or £30.25 for a 3-month prescription prepayment certificate (PPCs).

12-month PPCs will remain at £108.10 and can be paid for in instalments, meaning people can get all the medicines they need for just over £2 a week.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: ‘The rise in the cost of living has been unavoidable as we face global challenges and the repercussions of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine. Whilst we can’t completely prevent these rises, where we can help – we absolutely will.  

‘This is why I am freezing prescription charges to help ease some of these pressures and put money back in people’s pockets.’

In addition to the freeze on charges, the NHS Low Income scheme offers help with prescription payments, with free prescriptions for eligible people within certain groups such as pensioners, students, and those who receive state benefits or live in care homes.

People are exempt from charges if they:

• are 60 or over
• are under 16
• are 16 to 18 and in full-time education
• are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)
• have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
• have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
• hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
• are an NHS inpatient.

Photo by Melany @ tuinfosalud.com