Some 2.7 million patients could have saved on their prescription charges by using a pre-payment certificate (PPC) in 2023/24, latest analysis from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) has suggested.

For 61% of those, a three-month PPC may have been the best choice, saving each patient £16 on average, the NHSBSA said.

And a further 262,000 patients could have saved an average of £69 using a 12-month PPC.

The NHSBSA stressed that those who would benefit from a three-month PPC 'may be more likely to be receiving treatment for acute conditions with a relatively short treatment window'.

But it noted that this may be difficult for patients to plan in advance without knowing how long treatment may take.

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Across England, less than 8% of patients who could have saved money on their prescriptions through a three month PPC actually did so in 2023/24, the NHSBSA estimated.

And in most areas, this figure was closer to 5%.

The area with the highest take-up of three-month PPCs among potentially eligible patients was highest in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly ICB.

And it was lowest in London, Surrey and Frimley ICBs.

Take up of 12-month PPCs was much higher, with an average estimate of one in three patients who could have saved money by using a 12-month PPC doing so in 2023/24, the NHSBSA figures suggest.

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Community Pharmacy England (CPE) recently announced that current prescription and PPC charges will stay the same for the month of April as government has not yet decided whether it should increase.

In response to the NHSBSA analysis, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson encouraged 'anyone who regularly needs prescriptions, including for HRT, to check if a prepayment certificate could save them money'.

And they added: 'Women’s health, including support for those experiencing the menopause, will continue to be a major focus as we get the NHS delivering for patients once again as part of our Plan for Change.'

Commenting on the analysis, Tase Oputu, chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) England Pharmacy Board said: 'At a time when many are facing financial pressures, it’s vital that people are aware of ways to reduce the cost of their medicines.

'Pharmacy teams play a key role in raising awareness by discussing PPCs with patients who regularly pay for prescriptions and displaying information in pharmacies.

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'However, PPCs are not a long-term solution to the fundamental issue that no one should have to pay for essential medicines.

'Prescription charges force some patients to choose which medicines they can afford. Pharmacists see first-hand the consequences of this, with people skipping essential treatment, leading to worse health outcomes and additional pressure on the NHS.

'Prescriptions are already free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It’s time for England to follow suit and remove this unfair barrier to accessing medicines,' she said.