Julia Lopez MP has welcomed today's announcement that, from 1st April 2023, women in England will be able to access cheaper Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for menopause. This means that those prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy – the main treatment for menopause symptoms – will be able to make use of a new scheme enabling access to a year’s worth of HRT prescription items for the cost of two single prescription charges (currently £18.70). HRT will also remain free for those with an existing exemption.
Women will need to apply for the new prescription prepayment certificate (PPC), in either a digital or paper format, through the NHS Business Services Authority or in person at a pharmacy registered to sell PPCs. Once it has been granted, it will be available for use immediately on or after 1st April 2023.
The certificate will be valid for 12 months and when collecting HRT products, patients will be able to simply show it to their pharmacist and complete the exemption declaration on the NHS prescription form. It can be used against a list of HRT prescription items, and a patient can use this against an unlimited number of other HRT items, such as patches, tablets and topical preparations. There will be no limit to how many times the certificate can be used while it is valid. This change will save hundreds of pounds in prescription charges for menopause support and benefit around 400,000 women across England who are currently prescribed HRT.
The introduction of the certificate delivers on one of the year one priorities for the Women’s Health Strategy for England. Published last summer, the strategy sets out an ambitious new agenda for improving the health and wellbeing of women and girls and to improve how the health and care system listens to women.
For further information on this new scheme, PPCs or changes to HRT access, please consult the below FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) work?
A prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) can be applied for and used by patients if they do not have an exemption from prescription charges. A 12-month certificate means that a person can have all the prescribed items they need for just over £2 per week. A 12-month PPC can be applied for by direct debit instalments.
A new PPC is being introduced called the HRT PPC, which will be valid for a period of 12 months and covers a list of HRT items There is no limit to the number of items you may obtain using the certificate. A PPC can be applied for directly from some pharmacists, or by phone, online or by post. Further details on where to apply will be released in due course.
How can I use my HRT PPC?
Once you have applied for and been granted your digital or paper HRT PPC from 1 April 2023 you can use it immediately.
Your GP or other prescriber should prescribe your HRT products on a separate prescription to any other medicines that you may have prescribed to ensure all your medicines can be dispensed promptly by the pharmacy.
When collecting your HRT products, simply show the digital or paper copy HRT PPC to the pharmacist and complete the declaration on the NHS prescription form.
What if my HRT medicine is prescribed for menopause but is also a free of charge contraceptive?
There is no prescription charge for medicines that are licensed as free of charge contraceptives in the UK, even if they are prescribed for another purpose such as HRT. An example of this is the contraceptive IUS Mirena, which is also licensed for heavy bleeding and as HRT treatment for menopause. A patient shouldn’t apply for the HRT PPC to just cover these free of charge items.
Can I use my HRT PPC if my HRT is prescribed for purposes other than treatment of menopause symptoms?
Yes. The HRT PPC can be used for any listed HRT medicine licensed for the treatment of menopause. Anyone can apply for a HRT PPC to reduce the cost of their HRT, no matter the purpose for which it is prescribed.”
What steps are being taken to make sure there is enough supply of HRT?
We use Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs) to manage shortages of medicines including HRT. The HRT PPC has been developed to help prevent stockpiling of medication, enabling a continuous supply of medicines for everyone who needs it.
The government has accepted the recommendations of the HRT Taskforce, including the continued use of Serious Shortage Protocols when appropriate to manage shortages.
Can I still get a 3- or 12-month PPC for other prescription items?
Yes.
