Is your NHS exemption paperwork up to date?

Is your NHS exemption paperwork up to date? We were concerned to read this article in the media recently on increased patient fines. The article states that patient prescription fines have doubled in a year. Often this is because people who are exempt from prescription charges have forgotten to renew paperwork. People with medical conditions such as diabetes often think that they are exempt from charges. Whilst this is true, paperwork needs to be renewed, this is not automatic.

Do pharmacists check exemptions?

Often support staff will ask to see your exemption to ensure that you are not at risk of being fined. However, as pharmacy professionals, our main focus is making sure that your medicines are safe. We also want to make sure that you can use your medicines effectively and that we answer your questions about medicines and health.

The NHSBSA is the body that issues these fines. They said it was the patient’s responsibility to ensure they were entitled to claim free-of-charge prescriptions.

Many of our pharmacists are members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. This is an organisation that provides professional leadership. They also campaign against prescription charges and lobby parliament about this on our behalf.

What do you need to do to avoid a fine?

If you do not pay for your prescriptions because you are under 16 or over 60 years of age you do not need to do anything more. Your age is stated on your prescription. Otherwise check that your exemption card is in date. If it is not in date then you need to renew this straightaway. When you have your prescriptions dispensed you will need to pay and ask your pharmacist for an NHS receipt form until your paperwork is renewed. This may enable you to claim a refund when your exemption is renewed.