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Original poster

NHS Prescription Prepayment letter from NHS saying I've claimed a 'Free' prescription. HELP!

10 replies

ZippyTiptoes244 · 08/09/2023 18:57

HELP...I'm really worried because I've come home to a letter from the NHS Business Service Authority to say I have claimed a 'Free' prescription. I have a pre payment certificate which I can't find anywhere. When I've gone online and put my details in to find it, it says I don't have a prepayment certificate! I have no idea when it started from. And I can't find it anywhere.

What should I do? I feel terrible and I'm happy to pay for the prescription. Should I just email them and explain? I genuinely thought it was still valid.

Has anyone else experienced this?

OP posts:

Soontobe60 · 08/09/2023 19:01

I’m assuming a prepayment certificate lasts a year. It costs around £110. Can you check your bank statements going back 2 years to see if you can find the transaction. Then you’ll have an idea as to when you bought it.

PickAChew · 08/09/2023 19:05

Prepayment certificates should be in your email inbox. They don't issue physical ones any more.

Original poster

ZippyTiptoes244 · 08/09/2023 19:06

No, I thought of that but I've changed banks and all my previous statements were online! Thanks for the suggestion.

OP posts:

PicturesOfDogs · 08/09/2023 19:08

It might be under ‘NHSBSA’ in your inbox.

Are you sure it’s still valid? Mine resubscribes automatically, but you need to find out.
have your payments been coming out/all up to date?

PicturesOfDogs · 08/09/2023 19:09

As they’re only valid for a year

PicturesOfDogs · 08/09/2023 19:10

If you’ve changed banks, did you update your payment method with then?

caringcarer · 08/09/2023 19:12

Could it have expired?

Original poster

ZippyTiptoes244 · 08/09/2023 19:15

Hmmm, that's a good point. Thanks!

OP posts:

purpleme12 · 08/09/2023 19:27

I think they're either for 3 months or a year aren't they.
But yes it will have been emailed.
I have just got a letter like you saying they're fining me as well.
It was a mistake and as soon as I realised I started paying. I did ring them up to say can't anything be done as it's obvious it was a mistake but they don't budge.
However it's not £100 like in the original letter if you pay on time. And he said you can spread it over DDs as well

LucifersPain · 08/09/2023 19:55

Be prepared for possibly a letter (and fine) each month for a few months… this happened to me and I got several successive £110 fines which was irritating to say the least but I put it down to experience - the amount of meds I’m on mean it would cost me £70 a month without a PPC so I figured it balanced out a little bit.

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