Cheaper HRT for women experiencing menopause symptoms
From 1 April 2023, women prescribed HRT - the main treatment for menopause symptoms – were able to access a new scheme that allows them to get a year’s worth of menopause prescription items for the cost of 2 single prescription charges (currently £19.30).
Nearly 40,000 women have already purchased the new prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) in just a few weeks, potentially saving themselves hundreds of Pounds over the coming year.
Around 15% of women aged 45 to 64 in England are currently prescribed HRT, which has increased rapidly during the past two years and continues to rise.
How can you get this saving?
Around 400,000 women could benefit from this change and there are a number of ways to apply:
- Online on the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc
- In-person at some pharmacies
- If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, you will be able to use the textphone (or minicom) to contact the NHSBSA using the text relay service, from 25 May 2023. Dial 18001 then the relevant phone number.
- The NHSBSA also offers a telephone translation service and can provide documents in large print or Braille on request
- Patients can also call 0300 330 2089 for help and support.
Before getting the HRT PPC:
- Women should check whether they are already entitled to free NHS prescriptions (by age or because they have a certain medical condition) using the eligibility checker on the NHSBSA website
- Women should check if their prescribed type of HRT is eligible to be covered by the HRT PPC (testosterone, for example, sometimes prescribed for certain symptoms is not covered). A list of included HRT prescription items is available and an unlimited number can be purchased using the PPC in a year.
- Consider whether a 3 or 12-month general PPC covering all types of medication, including HRT, is more cost-effective. Especially if you’re being treated for long-term conditions, as well as menopausal symptoms.
What is your experience of getting menopause help?
While the HRT PPC is a welcome step, we know that some women may face other access barriers such as getting a GP appointment in the first place, having their symptoms taken seriously by clinicians, or being able to access regular supplies of HRT at their local pharmacy.
We want to hear from you, so please share your experiences with us.
