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Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Incapacity Benefit entitle me to free prescriptions? |
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No - Incapacity benefit paid on its own does not give entitlement to free prescriptions.
Patients would only qualify if their Incapacity Benefit included an 'Income Support' top up. |
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Why have I received a letter asking me about exemption status? |
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It depends which exemption you are claiming. If it is Income grounds we would require the name of the person receiving the benefit (it may be the partner of the person named on the prescription), the National Insurance number, date of birth and the benefit
claimed. If a health exemption certificate is held we would require the type of certificate i.e. prepayment certificate or medical exemption certificate) the period of its validity, the patients NHS number and the Health Authority the certificate was issued from. If a 'Low Income scheme' certificate is held we will require the certificate number and the period of its validity. We will also require your home telephone number in case
we need to contact you further. |
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Why do you need my NI number when you have already got my date of birth? |
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The National Insurance number is unique to each person. It is the most reliable way of identifying your records with the Department of Social Security. |
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What information do you need from me? |
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It depends which exemption you are claiming. If it is Income grounds we would require the name of the person receiving the benefit (it may be the partner of the person named on the prescription), the National Insurance number, date of birth and the benefit claimed. If a health exemption certificate is held we would require the type of certificate (i.e. prepayment certificate or medical exemption certificate) the period of its validity, the patients NHS number and the Health Authority the certificate was issued from. If a 'Low Income scheme' certificate is held we will require the certificate number and the period of its validity. We will also require your home telephone number in case we need to contact you further. |
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Why haven't the DSS confirmed I am exempt when I am in receipt of benefit? |
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The checking authorities may not have been able to trace your claim. This is why a questionnaire is issued to the patient. The additional information provided is
then forwarded onto the checking authorities for them to recheck their original findings. |
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What's going to happen to me now? |
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From the information you supply we will be able to ascertain your entitlement to exemption. We will either recheck your claim with the appropriate checking
authority or if your claim to exemption is invalid you will be billed for the
prescription items obtained. |
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Why have you sent me this bill? |
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Your claim to exemption has not been confirmed. You are now required to pay the prescription charge detailed on the bill. |
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Can I pay by instalments? |
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Yes - instalment plans are available and an affordable weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment will be agreed with you. |
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What is an HC1 form? |
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The HC1 claim form (claim for help with health costs) is an application form for the NHS Low-Income scheme. This scheme provides full or limited help with NHS charges for people who are not exempt or not automatically entitled to help but who, nevertheless, have difficulty in paying. The information supplied on the form is used to work out how much help you might get towards your health costs by comparing your income with your requirements. An HC1 claim form can be obtained from your local benefits office, the Health Benefits Division of the PPA or a NHS Hospital. |
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If I have a listed medical condition why do I have to have an excemption certificate? |
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People with specific medical conditions can claim free NHS prescriptions providing they hold a 'medical exemption' certificate issued by their Health Authority. Current Government Regulations provide that all patients claiming exemption must provide proof of their exemption at the point of dispensing. These certificates are issued at no cost to you and the period of validity normally runs for 5 years. The dates are clearly stated on the certificate. |
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Why wasn't I told any of this information when I applied for my benefit? |
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This information is detailed in leaflet HC11 (Help with Health Costs) available from your local benefit office and main Post Offices. It is up to the patient to establish if they are entitled to help with Health Costs. |
Management Information
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What information can you provide? |
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Analysis of prescribing by doctor / practices or dispensing by chemists. Including number of prescriptions, cost, types of prescriptions & trends over time. Can compare with other similar contractors.
Data Analysis |
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Is there a Primary Reward Scheme? |
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How do I report the theft of prescription forms? |
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You should inform your Health Authority immediately. They will notify the Prescription Pricing Authority using form CU/SP. |
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