March 2023

Around 400,000 women across England are set to get cheaper hormone replace therapy (HRT).

On 1 April 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) introduced a new Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) to reduce the cost of HRT.  If you pay more than two HRT prescription charges within 12 months, you could save money.

The certificate will be valid for 12 months and covers an unlimited number of listed HRT medicines for the cost of two single prescription charges.

You can buy an HRT PPC online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc or in-person at some pharmacies.

Before buying an HRT PPC, check if:

  • you’re eligible for free NHS prescriptions using the eligibility checker: nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check
  • your medicine is covered by the HRT PPC. For a list of eligible HRT medication, visit: nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc-medicines
  • a 3 or 12 month PPC is more suitable for you. It covers all NHS prescriptions, not just HRT items. Visit: nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc

It is important to check before you buy an HRT PPC as the certificate is non-refundable. If you need help, call 0300 330 2089 (this is an information line provided by the Department of Health and Social Care and not linked to The Menopause Charity).

The HRT prescription payment certificate is only made available in England, as people in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland access free prescriptions including HRT.

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