The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced that from 1st May 2024, the NHS prescription charge will increase to £9.90 per prescription item (note: some items may incur more than one charge). For prescriptions dispensed in April 2024, the NHS prescription charge will remain at £9.65.
Amendments to the National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) Regulations have been laid before Parliament which introduces changes not just for the NHS prescription charge but also for prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs), including the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) PPC.
The cost of a three-month PPC will become £32.05, whilst a 12-month PPC is increasing to £114.50. PPCs offer savings for those needing any four or more prescription items in three months, or 12 or more items in a year.
The more specific HRT PPC will also increase to £19.80. Note, this PPC can only be used when a patient is prescribed a listed HRT medicine. Patients can check the NHSBSA website for an up-to-date list of HRT medicines covered by the HRT PPC.
| Prescription charge type | Previous charge (up to 30th April 2024) | New charge (1st May 2024 onwards) | Increase of |
| Single charge (per prescription item) | £9.65 | £9.90 | £0.25 |
| HRT PPC (valid for 12 months) | £19.30 | £19.80 | £0.50 |
| 3-month PPC | £31.25 | £32.08 | £0.80 |
| 12-month PPC | £111.60 | £114.50 | £2.90 |
