PHENYLKETONURIA

WHO IS ENTITLED TO FREE PRESCRIPTIONS

The following is a list of all those who can claim free prescriptions.

1.     Anyone under 16 years of age.

2.     Anyone aged 16,17 or 18 years and in full time education (If you are aged 19 years and in full time education you may still be entitled to free prescriptions – see separate information below)

3.     Anyone aged 60 years or over.

4.     Anyone holding a current maternity exemption certificate. (Get from FW8 from your doctor, midwife or health visitor.  When you are pregnant and for 1 year after your baby’s birth you are entitled to free prescriptions)

5.     Anyone who also has a current medical exemption certificate.  There are certain conditions, but NOT PKU, which entitle you to obtain free prescriptions (e.g. if as well as having PKU you also have diabetes requiring drugs) See below for a list of all the conditions which entitle you to free prescriptions.

6.     Anyone who holds a current NHS Prepayment certificate. See below for section on prepayment certificates.

7.     You are named on a NHS certificate HC2.  This certificate is available for people on low income. See section for students and those aged 19 years or over on low income.

8.     You are getting Income Support

9.     You are getting Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

10.  You are getting Family Credit

11.  You are getting full Working Families’ Tax Credit or your Credit has been reduced by £70 or less.

12.  If you are getting Disability Working Allowance

13.  You are getting full Disabled person’s Tax Credit or Credit reduced by £70 or less.

14.  You are exempt and this is confirmed by a letter from  the HBD (Health Benefits Division)

PRE-PAYMENT CERTIFICATE

IF YOU DO NOT QUALIFY FOR FREE PRESCRIPTIONS IT MAY BE WORTHWHILE OBTAINING A PREPAYMENT CERTIFICATE. 

A prepayment certificate lasts for 4 months or 12 months and will save you money if you need more than 5 items in 4 months or more than 14 items in 12 months.  You can get an application form FP95 (EC95 in Scotland) from a main post office, pharmacist or Health Authority.  The form tells you what to do.

 The current cost of the certificates is:

 For a 4 month certificate……£32.90……………………..

 For a 12 month certificate…  £90.40……………………..

The certificate entitles you to all your prescriptions.

For further information about pre-payment certificates ring 0845 8500030

DISORDERS WHICH ENTITLE YOU TO A MEDICAL EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE

If you have any of the following conditions AS WELL AS PKU you are entitled to free prescriptions. 

(You need to fill out from FP92A (available from your pharmacist or doctor) and this is used to apply for your exemption certificate FP92.)

1.     A permanent fistula requiring dressing or an appliance

2.     Epilepsy requiring continuous anti-convulsive therapy.

3.     Diabetes (but not diet -only treated diabetes)

4.     Myxoedema or other conditions requiring thyroid hormone.

5.     Hypoparathyroidism

6.     Diabetes Insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism

7.     Forms of hypoadrenalism

8.     Myasthenia Gravis

9.     Continuing physical disability which requires the help of another person to go out. (temporary disability does not count)

You need to fill out form FP92A (available from your pharmacist or doctor) and this is used to apply for your exemption certificate FP92)

STUDENTS AND THOSE OVER 19 YEARS AND ON LOW INCOME

Students in full time education and those aged over 19 years and on a low income may be entitled to free prescriptions under the NHS Low Income Scheme (e.g. income is below £8,000)

You need to fill in form HC1 which is available from:-

§       Social Security Offices

§       NHS hospitals

§       Doctor, dentist, pharmacist and opticians might have them

§       Health Benefits Division Tel. 0191-203-5555

If you qualify the Health Benefits Division (HBD) will send you certificate HC2.

The HBD will be able to advise anyone who needs to know about the Low Income Scheme and if they qualify for free prescriptions under Income Support.

HBD Tel 0191-203-5555

USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

1. General Enquiries about prescriptions charges Tel Freephone 0800-9177711

2.  Enquiries about Low Income Exemption

Health Benefits Division Tel 0191-203-5555

3.  Internet Web Site

www.dh.gov.uk

This web site will give you information about all the leaflets, contact information and current prescription charges.  Libraries will have a computer if you do not have one and would help you find what you need.

 4.     Booklet HC11 called ‘ Are you entitled to help with health costs?’ is very helpful and contains further detailed information.  For a free copy write to:

Department of Health Publications

PO Box 777

London SE1 6XH

It is also available in Braille, on audio cassette tape, on disk, in large print and in other languages on request.