The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) has published a new experimental analysis, estimating patient savings achieved from prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs), including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) PPCs.
The report revealed that the number of Prescription Prepayment Certificates (PPCs) purchased has risen consistently over the past five years, with 3.3 million patients receiving NHS prescriptions under a PPC exemption in 2023/2024.
NHSBSA analysis found that these patients could have spent £817 million in prescription charges if they had not used a PPC.
A PPC allows patients to get as many NHS prescriptions as they need for a set price over a fixed period, helping those who require regular medication to save money.
With the current prescription charge in England set at £9 per item, a three-month PPC costs £29.10, while a 12-month PPC is available for £104. Patients who purchase two prescriptions per month could save over £20 each month with a three-month PPC or more than £110 annually with a 12-month certificate.
Key Findings from the Report
The NHSBSA noted that this analysis is based on NHS prescriptions dispensed in the community and submitted to the authority for reimbursement.
In 2023/2024, more than two-thirds (2.1 million) of PPCs issued were 12-month certificates, while 936,000 were three-month PPCs.
NHSBSA estimated that if all these patients had purchased a 12-month PPC, they could have saved approximately £451 million.
The latest analysis found that around 566,000 HRT PPCs were issued in 2023/24, with higher rates issued in less deprived areas.
Without an HRT PPC, these patients could have faced £20.2 million in prescription charges.
Assuming each patient paid £19.30 for an HRT PPC, they collectively saved an estimated £11.2 million.
The HRT PPC was launched in April 2023, with 131,000 certificates being issued in the first month.
The report also identified missed savings opportunities for eligible patients who did not purchase a PPC.
It estimated that around 872,000 patients could have saved around £35 million (£41 each on average) with a 12-month PPC, while 286,000 patients could have potentially saved around £8 million (£27 each on average) with an HRT PPC, which covers 12 months.
The NHSBSA plans to publish this report annually to provide insights into PPC uptake and estimated patient savings.
The NHSBSA website also highlights that the number of customers applying online for a PPC has now surpassed one million, contributing to NHS savings of more than £390,000.
Patients can apply for a digital PPC online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ppc or via a registered pharmacy.
Graeme Duncan 
