How will a patient using HRT know which PPC would be best for them?

A standard 3-month or 12-month PPC applies to all medicines prescribed on NHS prescriptions whereas an HRT PPC only applies to certain HRT medicines only. With an HRT PPC, patients could save money if they pay more than two HRT prescription charges within 12 months. Patients who purchase an HRT PPC will continue to pay for any chargeable non-HRT items (i.e. prescribed items that do not appear on the Drug Tariff HRT list). If a patient is also prescribed other chargeable items in addition to their HRT medicines, a standard 3-month PPC will benefit those who expect to have 4 or more items in 3 months whereas a 12 month-PPC will benefit those with 12 or more items a year.

For patients who choose not to purcha se an HRT PPC, how many prescription charges would a non-exempt patient pay for the following HRT medicines?

Patients who choose not to purchase any PPC and who are not exempt from paying prescription charges for any other reason, will continue to pay applicable charges for all chargeable items. For example:

• Bijuve 1mg/100mg capsules – 1 prescription charge - Bijuve is a combined HRT preparation that contains estradiol and progesterone in the same capsule. Bijuve would attract only one prescription charge.
• Elleste Duet 1mg tablets – 2 prescription charges - Elleste Duet 1mg is a continuous sequential HRT preparation that contains a combination of two different tablets; one contains estradiol only and the other contains both estradiol and norethisterone. Elleste Duet would attract two prescription charges as it comes in a combination pack containing two different items.

What checks should a patient make before purchasing an HRT PPC?

It is the patient’s responsibility to check that they have the right exemption or certificate in place when claiming free NHS prescriptions and signing the declaration on the prescription form.

Before purchasing an HRT PPC, patients are advised to check if:

- they are eligible for free NHS prescriptions using the eligibility checker: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check. For more information on see PSNC’s page Exemptions from the prescription charge

- their medicine is covered by the HRT PPC. For a list of eligible HRT medication, visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrtppc-medicines

- a 3 or 12- month standard PPC is more suitable. A standard PPC covers all NHS prescriptions, not just HRT medicines. Visit: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc

The HRT PPC could save a patient money if:

• they pay for their NHS prescriptions
• do not already have a valid 3 or 12-month PPC that covers all their NHS prescriptions (including HRT) for a set price.
• require two or more items from the HRT medicines list in 12 months.

For more information visit: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone- replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc

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