5 AFFORDABLE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR PRESCRIPTION MORE
Prescriptions cost around
£8.60 per item in England to help the affordability of
these items, however these small costs can all add up for those on regular medication. Here are a few ways you will be able to save money on your healthcare.
ELIGIBILE FOR FREE PRESCRIPTIONS? Could you be paying for medication that you could be receiving for free? For example, if you are under 16, in education or pregnant you qualify for free prescriptions. Check the NHS criteria to see if you could be entitled to free or discounted medication.
PRE-PAY PRESCRIPTIONS For those who regularly have to purchase prescriptions only available on the NHS, try pre-paying for large savings. For this, an application needs to be submitted via the NHS prescription site and if accepted, a certificate will be given showing eligibility.
MINOR ALIMENT SCHEME This scheme is to help reduce the amount of doctors appointments for minor issues and encourage patients to visit a pharmacist. If you are entitled to a free prescription already, it is a great way to save on costs for your children for minor illnesses like mild skin conditions and coughs.
CHECK THE HIGHSTREET Although the NHS provides a flat price, they are not always the cheapest. Commonly, painkillers are often cheaper in high street shops. On the other hand, if you are buying in bulk, i.e antihistamines prescriptions will be more affordable.
AVOID BIG BRAND TOP TIP MEDICATION
Check the 'PL number' on
medication packages. If they have the same number - they are the same drug!
On the high street, it is easy to buy the most well known brand of medication due to the package and extensive advertising. However, there are cheaper alternatives that work equally as well from brands like Alvita.
Source
https://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Prescriptioncosts.aspx https://www.nhs.uk/livewell/pharmacy/pages/commonconditions.aspx https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/you-over-paying-medication-prescription-10750160 https://www.thinkalvita.com/