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Original poster

Feel gutted. Sick. Stupid. Prescription charges.

66 replies

SharonBottsPoundOfGrapes · 17/10/2018 16:35

feel so upset. Life has been nothing but a struggle. We never have anything left at the end of the month, I've been ill and in constant agony. I've had to quit work due to my pain. We've never had a family holiday and dh is driving a 13 year old car. Yet I managed to scrimp the money for prescriptions (and sometimes went without the odd one because we simply couldn't afford all 6 at once). 8 bastard years I paid full price. Only last year did I invest in a prepayment certificate to help with the costs as it was suggested by a pharmacist who was shocked at the amount I had to pay. Not one GP or pharmacist ever told me I could get all my meds for free. We're not entitled to anything back. I spoke to a nice Geordie lad who was astonished and said it was a disgrace but they only backdate 3 months. Can't stop crying.

OP posts:

user1981287 · 17/10/2018 17:50

I don't understand. You say you got a prepayment certificate last year and then you say you can't stop thinking abut it and crying. If that is the case then I think you probably need to see a doctor since it isn't a normal reaction to be so upset so long after the event.

viques · 17/10/2018 17:50

I hate to tell you this, but there is information about payment on the back of every prescription.

" not entitled to free prescriptions? A prescription pre payment certificate (PPC) may reduce the cost of getting your prescription items dispensed. Call 0300 330 1341 for details of PPCs, the savings they offer and how to buy one. BUy online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk or get an application form (FP95) from your pharmacy."

Willow2017 · 17/10/2018 17:51

Years ago when they first came out my mums gp told her about them.

Hope things improve for you soon op. Chronic pain is a bastard.

Hallloumi · 17/10/2018 17:53

I've noticed that pharmacies don't always tell people. I (GP) often do especially if starting lots of meds at the same time but there are probably times I forget as well. Not sure what a failsafe would be exempt for it to be printed more obviously on the prescriptions but even then we do lots electronically so the patients don't see them.

Velmasglasses · 17/10/2018 17:54

I was told by my gp when I was diagnosed with a long term condition. The pharmacist doesn't know anything about my medical history. I would've thought your gp would discuss it with you if they are prescribing you medication.

Original poster

SharonBottsPoundOfGrapes · 17/10/2018 17:57

Hundred I have a prepayment certificate. This is my second year with one. What I was never told by anyone who dealt with me and my condition is that the meds to control my symptoms were free as were any other meds. Meaning that I had no need for the £104 piece of plastic I was advised to buy by a pharmacist. Yet I wasn't told to ask my GP (who has the forms and sends it off) about my right to free essential medication .

OP posts:

Rockbird · 17/10/2018 18:00

I think the OP got a prepayment cats last year but didn't realise that her meds should have been free until now.

It's pretty shocking OP. I was told immediately that my meds would be free and the GP gave me the form to send off. It's awful that no one told you.

Rockbird · 17/10/2018 18:01

*card not cats

Original poster

SharonBottsPoundOfGrapes · 17/10/2018 18:07

I don't understand. You say you got a prepayment certificate last year and then you say you can't stop thinking abut it and crying. If that is the case then I think you probably need to see a doctor since it isn't a normal reaction to be so upset so long after the event.

Thanks for that user. I found out today. I am in mind numbing excruciating agony. I have to say every minor thing is a big deal to me. I can't sit, stand or lie down for longer than a few minutes. I take an obscene amount of medication to get through the day. Also dh is carrying us and the strain is showing. We are barely keeping it together. But no it's just today I've been upset. And I know it's tough shit and I'll just have to suck it up blah blah blah. I'll get over it. Maybe tomorrow.

OP posts:

YouCanCallMeJodieWho · 17/10/2018 18:11

Are you saying you are entitled to a medical exemption certificate and only found out today?

If that's the case that's very poor. I have one and several people I've seen over the years have checked that I have one and that I know I shouldn't pay.

Sorry to hear you are in so much pain .

Original poster

SharonBottsPoundOfGrapes · 17/10/2018 18:19

Yes YouCan thats what I'm saying. Im not the only one. I went onto the website and there was a comment where the patient discovered similar. This was in November last year and it was 7 months for him. Its funny that had I fraudulently claimed (which I never did even when on the bones of my arse) theyd have me in court as fast as my gammy spine would allow.

OP posts:

MatildaTheCat · 17/10/2018 18:19

I’m so sorry this has happened to you. Those of us on multiple prescriptions are facing huge costs if we aren’t advised properly.

My GP has checked regularly that I have a prepay card which I pay monthly on a rolling basis so no forgetting to renew. My pharmacist also mentioned it.

If you don’t know something exists how can you ask for it? I’d say the staff have a duty to recommend it if they can see it would save you money over the year.

CheddarIsNotTheOnlyCheese · 17/10/2018 18:29

Exactly Matilda. Luckily I don't need it but have never seen anything alluding to what the op describes advertised at my surgery. Definitely no idea about prepayment cards either. My sister has 4 items a month and pays nearly £40 a time. Off the back of this thread I will get her to sign up for one.

Violetroselily · 17/10/2018 18:33

I'm entitled to free prescriptions because I have a medical exemption. My GP never mentioned this, but the first time I picked up the prescription the pharmacist told me I was eligible for a medical exemption certificate. Every different pharmacist I have been to since has automatically asked me if i have the exemption card.

What us your condition? Is the medication very obviously for this exempt condition? E.g. levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. It may not be obvious to the pharmacist that you have an exempt condition.

Jimjamjooney · 17/10/2018 18:42

I am sorry you’ve wasted money OP. What condition/ meds are you on if you don’t mind me asking? The pharmacist will know what each of your medications is for and each prescription has to be endorsed with whether someone pays or which exemption they have. Are you sure you’re elligible for a medical exemption card? It’s only for specific conditions and I’d hate to see you fined.

To everyone else, it does actually say on the back of the prescription about prepayment cards and how to claim back charges if unsure.

snop · 17/10/2018 18:45

Do you have an exemption card ? They are only free if you can show evidence of your exemption. If you have never applied for one you would still have to pay

YouCanCallMeJodieWho · 17/10/2018 18:57

Do you have the energy to complain? I'm not quite sure who you'd complain to. You could write to PALS or your CCG to say others have failed to inform you but I'm not sure if that would really achieve anything, as it's a succession of individuals.

As you have a long term condition have you tried to see the same GP? It really is best, and in theory this is the sort of thing that should be picked up with that kind of relationship. Or is your surgery just generally rubbish?

Fouetsage · 17/10/2018 19:03

I used to work at a dispensing doctors surgery and yes, we did tell people about PPC's, specially if someone was on new medication that sometimes involved the dose being changed etc. Really sorry that you were never advised. Having said that, ours was a small village surgery that has now been closed as a cost cutting exercise.

Original poster

SharonBottsPoundOfGrapes · 17/10/2018 19:19

I have Type ii diabetes. I swear I was never told.
Fouet when I rang the surgery this morning I was 14th in line. I was waiting 45 mins. I try to see my official GP but shes always unavailable. The last doctor I saw was fab. She gave me a chance to talk and cry with relief about finally getting an appointment with the MSK pain clinic. I felt listened to rather than fobbed off. Was told today she had gone as she was a locum.

OP posts:

BrownBirdsFly · 17/10/2018 19:29

I’m sorry that you weren’t told about this. Diabetes is one of the conditions that would cover you on a medical exemption card.

However, it is a little complex. A lot of type 2 diabetics are given a drug called metformin first-line. This is also given for PCOS - in this case the patient with the prescription for metformin would not be eligible for an exemption certificate. So it’s not always possible to determine a patients medical condition from the medication. Something like levothyroxine is obviously more clear cut.

That said, I would always have this discussion with a patient (I’m a pharmacist) though some aren’t always grateful for me asking what something is prescribed for!

Hope you feel better soon x

Graphista · 17/10/2018 19:53

GP's are unlikely to KNOW who's entitled to free prescriptions especially with all the new rules that have come in with UC.

It's appalling and should be better publicised who IS entitled not least because then those who AREN'T would know too and not end up with fines for not paying.

Here in Scotland they're all free - I'm sure that's not only simpler, but cheaper all round and won't lead to people not treating conditions because they can't afford or think they can't afford the prescription cost.

Personally I wouldn't trust signs as you've no idea how long they've been up and if the info is accurate BUT no reason why people can't be directed to look it up on nhs website.

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/help-with-health-costs/get-help-with-prescription-costs/

Though I think it's off that it's so difficult to find the right link on the UC pages on gov website!

Annandale
So sorry for your loss. I fear he won't be the last affected so tragically by these changes.

You're not stupid. You'd need a bloody postgrad to fully understand the ins and outs of the welfare system! I could do a sodding PhD at this point!! It's an absolute minefield.

HundredMilesAnHour - the backs of prescriptions are hard to read for many and the information is largely inaccurate now but it would be too expensive to withdraw those already printed, not sure what the plans are for new ones with the new UC rules! Frankly you'd probably need a huge leaflet like the patient info leaflets inside the prescriptions!

Hallloumi just please be careful the rules seem to be changing constantly at the moment and I'm sure you'd hate to give a patient wrong info that caused them to get a fine.

It's crazy - it's more pressure on GP's and pharmacists and is already causing much confusion for many patients.

GreenTulips · 17/10/2018 19:59

Slightly off topic - but there's also a minor ailments scheme where children get free items like head lice and calpol - dispensed by chemists

nosleepnosense · 17/10/2018 20:05

Ooh, free headlice, yes please!

Iaimtomisbehave1 · 17/10/2018 20:14

@nosleepnosense

Hahahahahahaha

CheddarIsNotTheOnlyCheese · 17/10/2018 20:56

Ah now this is how I'm pretty certain no such signs are up at my surgery because they have 3 huge ones telling patients prescriptions for head lice lotions, medicated soap/shampoo, cold sores, sunburn, diarrhoea/laxative, athletes foot, thrush... and many others would not be prescribed any more. (For adults and children). I'm not surprised as when dd fell off her bike and got a bad case of road rash the doctor prescribed her a gentle wash to clean the areas twice a day. They were huge bottles of Aveeno shower gel. I had no idea it could be prescribed. That was a huge waste.

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