Prescription Pre-payment Certificates- Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do they cover?

A. Your NHS prescriptions, including elastic hosiery (including support tights supplied by a hospital).


Q. How long do they last and how much do they cost?

A. They last for either:

• 3 months, costing £27.85; or
• 12 months, costing £102.50
  

The prices usually increase on 1st April each year, therefore, all applications received before 1st April will be charged at the old rate, and those received after the 1st April will be charged at the new rate.


Q. How do I apply?

A. You can apply either:

• over the internet via our website. To order a PPC via our website please click here
  
  
• by ringing our order line on 0845 850 0030; or
  
  
• by completing form FP95, which is available from pharmacies and doctors surgeries or by clicking here and sending the completed form to:
  
  NHS Business Services Authority
  PPC Issue Office
  PO Box 854
  NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
  NE99 2DE
  
  
• at a pharmacy registered to sell PPCs on our behalf. A list of the pharmacies that have registered with us to sell PPCs on our behalf is available here.

Q. How many prescriptions do I need to buy before I will make a saving?

A. Anyone who needs more than 3 items on prescription in a 3 month period will save money with a 3 month PPC. Anyone who needs more than 14 items on prescription in a 12 month period will save money with a 12 month PPC.


Q. Can I pay for my PPC in instalments?

A. Yes, you can now choose to pay for a 12 month PPC by 10 monthly Direct Debit instalments.


Q. I need prescriptions now, but I do not have my certificate yet, do I have to wait until it arrives?

A. No. If you specified a start date that is on or before the date you need to pay for your prescriptions you can claim a refund from a pharmacist as long as you have the official NHS receipt (FP57) from your pharmacist.


Q. I have already paid prescription charges, but I did not get the proper NHS receipt. Does that mean I cannot get a refund?

A. Only in exceptional circumstances can a refund be given without the proper receipt. If you think that you had a good reason for not getting the official NHS receipt, you should submit a letter to:

NHS Business Services Authority
Review Section
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 993
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE99 2TZ

explaining your reasons and enclosing any proof of payment that you have (e.g. a till receipt). Our Review Section will consider your claim in detail. However, it is unlikely that a 'lack of knowledge' would result in a refund being made.


Q. I am going into hospital next month and I will need many prescriptions when I come out. When should I apply?

A. You can ask for your certificate to be post-dated by up to one month. If you know the date you will come out of hospital, you can apply up to one month before.


Q. I am now entitled to free prescriptions on age, medical, maternity, low income, or benefit grounds. Can I have a refund of what I paid for the PPC?

A. It depends on how long you have had your PPC, how long it was for and, if you paid by Direct Debit, how much you have paid.

For full details on PPC refund arrangements, including the time limit for claiming the refund, check leaflet HC11.

If you qualify, to claim a refund send your PPC, evidence of how you are now entitled to free prescription and a letter explaining why you think you are entitled to a refund to

NHS Business Services Authority
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 854
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE99 2DE


Q. I am going into / am in hospital, can I have a refund of my PPC?

A. It depends on how long you have had your PPC, how long it was for and, if you paid by Direct Debit, how much you have paid.

For full details on PPC refund arrangements, including the time limit for claiming the refund, check leaflet HC11.

If you qualify, to claim a refund send your PPC and a letter explaining why you think you are entitled to a refund to:

NHS Business Services Authority
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 854
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE99 2DE


Q. My spouse has died, but he/she still had a valid PPC. Can I claim a refund?

A. Yes. You will need to send the PPC, a copy of the death certificate and a letter explaining when your spouse died and whether this was at home or in hospital to:

NHS Business Services Authority
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 854
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE99 2DE


Q. I have a PPC but I do not need as many prescription as I used to, can I get a refund?

A. No, there are no refunds available unless you have become entitled to free prescriptions.


Q. I have a PPC but I have changed my name. Do I need to notify you?

A. Yes, please write to us at:

NHS Business Services Authority
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 854
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE99 2DE

enclosing a copy of your marriage certificate / deed poll and your original certificate. We will send you a replacement.


Q. I have a PPC but I have changed my address. Do I need to notify you?

A. Yes, this is very important because we will not be able to remind you when your certificate is about to run out if we do not have an up to date address. Please tell us your new address, certificate number, date of birth and full name, sending your letter to:

NHS Business Services Authority
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 854
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE99 2DE

There is no need to return your certificate to us.


Q. I have a PPC but I have mislaid it. How do I get a replacement?

A. Please write to us at:

NHS Business Services Authority
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 854
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
NE99 2DE

stating your full name, address, date of birth, NHS number (if known) and certificate number if known.


Q. I have a PPC issued by you. Do I need to keep a record of the expiry date or will you send me a reminder?

A. We will send you a reminder about 21 days before your certificate is due to expire.