Scott Weaver
Updated at: March 06, 2024 · 5 min read
What You Should Know About The NHS Prescription Price Increases: April 2023 Edition
NHS Prescription Price Increases in April 2023
As of the 1st of April 2023, the price of a prescription from the NHS is being increased. The news was delivered before parliament on the 9th of March 2023 and has been put forward by Neil O’Brien MP, the Conservative Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care. The price of a prescription with the NHS, as well as the price of wigs and fabric supports from the NHS have risen due to inflation rate changes. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about these price rises, as well as alternative ways to get the medication and products you need.
Why is the NHS prescription price increasing?
In 2022, NHS prescription prices were frozen in order to help patients cope with the growing cost of living crisis. In 2023, this is no longer the case, and prices are rising in line with inflation, despite the cost of living crisis still being a very real issue for millions of people across the country. The change has been made in line with inflation rates.
What was the previous NHS prescription price before April 2023?
Prior to the 1st of April 2023, the cost of an NHS prescription was £9.35 per item. The rise in price has also affected the cost of wigs and fabric supports that are needed by thousands of people. This is the same price as 2022 and is 20p more expensive than the £9.15 cost of an NHS prescription in 2020.
What will the new NHS prescription price be in April 2023?
The new price of an NHS prescription is £9.65 per item or appliance. This is the highest that an NHS prescription has cost. For context, 10 years ago in April 2013, an NHS prescription would cost £7.85.
What is the new inflation rate?
The reason that the NHS prescription price has risen is because of inflation rates. The new inflation rate that has been applied to prescription prices is 3.21% which has caused an increase of 30p in NHS prescription prices, as well as an increase in the price of wigs and fabric supports.
Will the new inflation rate apply to charges for wigs and fabric supports?
Yes, as previously mentioned the inflation rate of 3.21% will also apply to the cost of wigs and fabric supports on the NHS. For example, surgical bras will now cost £31.70, abdominal or spinal supports will now cost £47.80 and stock modacrylic wigs will cost £78.15.
What will the new cost of NHS prescription pre-payment certificates (PPCs) be after 1st April 2023?
An NHS prescription pre-payment certificate, also known as a PPC, is a method of prepaying for your prescriptions in order to save money. The idea is that you paid a set price for 3 or 12 months no matter what you need. You can also get a PPC for HRT (hormone replacement therapy) products. The inflation rates have also affected the cost of NHS PPCs. A three-month PPC used to cost £30.25 and will now cost £31.25 and a 12-month PPC, which used to cost £108.10 will now cost £111.60.
Will there be a difference in the NHS prescription price for a single prescription compared to the price of an NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)?
Yes, because of the rise in price, there will be a difference between the price of a single prescription and an NHS prescription pre-payment certificate. If you were to get a single prescription once a month for three months you would be paying £28.95.
What will the cost of Hormone Replacement Therapy prescription pre-payment certificates be after 1st April 2023?
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is a medical treatment that is used to replace hormones that the body no longer produces or produces insufficiently. Hormone replacement therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions related to hormonal imbalances, such as menopause, hypogonadism, or transgender hormone therapy. On the NHS, you can get HRT prescription pre-payment certificates. With the new price changes, these will now cost you £19.30.
What are the new NHS Prescription Prices?
Here is a handy table that summarises the new NHS prescription prices, from 1st April 2023.
| Single Charge | £9.65 |
| 3 Month PPC | £31.25 |
| 12 Month PPC | £111.60 |
| HRT PPC | £19.30 |
What are the new NHS prices for wigs and fabric supports?
Here is a handy table that summarises the new prices of wigs and fabric supports on the NHS.
| Surgical Bra | £31.70 |
| Abdominal or Spinal Support | £47.80 |
| Stock Modacrylic Wig | £78.15 |
| Partial Human Hair Wig | £207.00 |
| Full Bespoke Human Hair Wig | £302.70 |
How does the new NHS Prescription Price compare to UK Meds?
The answer is that it varies depending on the medication. Here are UK Meds we are continually reviewing our prices so that we can provide you with the most convenient service, at the fairest price.
With UK Meds, you can get your medications in three convenient steps. First, choose your treatment, then complete an online consultation form and then finally, we will deliver your medication to you. You don't even need to leave your house.
Are medication subscriptions available at UK Meds?
To save even more money when shopping online with UK Meds you can also purchase your medications, such as Viagra or Ventolin on a subscription basis. For example, if you purchase three Ventolin Evohalers on a three-month basis you will pay £20.24, this is just £6.75 per inhaler.
Customer Experiences: Ordering Medication Online at UK Meds
See what our customers have to say about their experiences of ordering medication online at UK Meds:
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