Half a million patients save money on their hormone replacement therapy medicines

The certificate allows patients to access an unlimited number of listed HRT medicines over 12 months, for a one-off payment of £19.30. This saves patients money if they pay for more than two HRT prescription charges within 12 months.

Instead of paying £9.65 for each single HRT prescription, patients can use the HRT PPC for as many listed HRT items, including patches, tablets and gels, as they need throughout the year. How much they will save depends on the number of HRT prescriptions they need within 12 months.

Michael Brodie, Chief Executive of the NHS Business Services Authority, which is responsible for delivering this service, said:

“This significant milestone highlights the crucial role this service provides for patients who rely on HRT, allowing them access to their medication at a reduced cost.”

Many patients have said the service is quick and easy to use. One HRT PPC customer said:

“It saves [me] a lot of money for something which is essential to improve [my] quality of life.”

There are an estimated 2.3 million patients prescribed HRT in England, a 29% increase from 2021/22.

The HRT PPC is available for all patients taking listed HRT items who are not already exempt from prescription charges.

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

Before buying the certificate, patients should check if:

• they can get free NHS prescriptions using the NHS eligibility checker: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check
• their medicine is covered by the HRT PPC: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc-medicines
• a 3 or 12 month PPC is more suitable. It covers all NHS prescriptions, including HRT items: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc