- Women in England will be able to access cheaper Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for menopause by applying for a new prescription pre-payment certificate (PPC).
- From 1 April, holders of a HRT PPC will have the cost of their HRT reduced to the cost of two single prescription charges – less than £20 – and HRT will remain free for those with an existing exemption.
- Women will save hundreds of pounds in prescription charges for menopause support, benefitting around 400,000 women across England who are currently prescribed HR.
From 1 April, people prescribed HRT – the main treatment for menopause symptoms – will have access to a new scheme enabling access to a year’s worth of HRT prescription items for the cost of two single prescription charges (currently £18.70).
People prescribed HRT will be able to apply online for a digital or paper version of the certificate. When collecting HRT products, patients will be able to simply show the certificate to the pharmacist and complete the exemption declaration on the NHS prescription form.
The certificate will be valid for 12 months. It can be used against a list of HRT prescription items with no limit on the number of items it can be used for, such as patches, tablets and topical preparations.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:
“This new certificate will make HRT more accessible than ever before – helping around 400,000 women save hundreds of pounds a year.
“This is another step in our drive to improve support for millions of women experiencing the menopause, delivering on our Women’s Health Strategy.”
Maria Caufield, MP for Lewes and Minister for Women said:
“Around three quarters of women will experience menopause symptoms, with a quarter experiencing severe symptoms – which can seriously impact their quality of life.
Reducing the cost of HRT is a huge moment for improving women’s health in this country, and I am proud to be announcing this momentous step forward.
In our Women’s Health Strategy, we made menopause a top priority – by making HRT more accessible, we’re delivering on our commitment to women.”