The UK government has announced that women prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for menopause symptoms will have access to a new scheme aimed at reducing the cost of HRT. From 1 April 2023, women will be able to purchase a year’s worth of menopause prescription items for the cost of two single prescription charges, currently £18.70. The prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC) will be valid for 12 months and can be used against a list of HRT prescription items. The certificate is valid with no limit on how many times it can be used.
The government aims to improve access to HRT and has made it a top priority within the Women’s Health Strategy for England. The strategy sets out an ambitious agenda for improving the health and well-being of women and girls and improving how the health and care system listens to women. As part of this strategy, the government is committed to reducing the cost of HRT for menopausal women.
Around 75% of women will experience menopause symptoms, and 25% of them will experience severe symptoms that can seriously impact their quality of life. The new certificate will make HRT more accessible and will help around 400,000 women save hundreds of pounds a year.
Currently, around 15% of women aged 45-64 in England are prescribed HRT, and this number has increased rapidly in the last two years from around 11%. The government has accepted the recommendations of the HRT Taskforce, which includes encouraging and supporting manufacturers to boost supply to meet growing demand.
The PPC must be applied for either through the NHS Business Service Authority or in person at a pharmacy registered to sell them by women. Once approved, the availability for use of this will be on or after April 1st. Patients can present either a digital or paper copy of their HRT PPC to the pharmacist when collecting HRT products, and complete the NHS prescription form exemption declaration.
Reducing the cost of HRT is a major step forward in prioritizing the health and well-being of women, and it is hoped that this will have a hugely beneficial impact on the lives of so many women. The government will continue to engage with suppliers to ensure a continuous supply of HRT and work towards improving access to HRT for menopausal women.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
