free NHS prescriptions, exemption card

[redish]

just reading a thread and have realised that should’ve had an NHS prescription exemption card as daughter qualifies for free prescriptions due to being type 1 diabetic.
only i’ve never filled in an application card for one and didn't realise you had to. doctor just said she was exempt as type 1.
apparently you can get fined and charged for prescriptions if you don’t have have one. whenever i collect prescriptions at the pharmacy they just ask if she’s exempt and tick the box. worried now. and worried if I apply for one if it will trigger a backdated response?

This seems to happen lots in the stoma community as we are exempt too. I've only heard of people being fined when they haven't had the certificate and checks have happened - not when they have applied. I did mine via the Gp reception. Must actually check when it expires. Get it done - you know you need it now and delaying risks a fine going forward.

Thanks. I'm sending off for a form. Seems daft as they can clearly see from NHS records that she has type 1 diabetes, you'd think they'd action the exemption immediately from the date of diagnosis!

It does seem silly, if you are getting insulin on prescription then by definition you must be exempt.

How old is your dd?

she's 20

You have to apply, and you have to periodically renew. It does seem frustrating when you have a lifelong condition that will never go away. But it does apply to every prescription, not just those that relate to the condition.

It's like qualifying for the Covid jab - you get the email/text saying that they believe you qualify, you make the appointment, and then before they give you the jab you have to tell them why you think you qualify. Not joined up.

ok. I'm going to apply. I just hope the process of applying doesn't result in a fine if they realise that we haven't applied before, if you see what I mean?

I doubt they'll pick up on it. The pharmacist should have been asking to see the card.

If she's 20 she'll have to apply for the card.

Similar happened to a friend of mine who is T1, they were not fined at all.

I have an exemption for another reason, make sure you note the expiry date as you'll need to apply to renew it