From 1 April women going through the menopause will be able to access hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for under £20 a year.
The Department of Health and Social Care announced women going through the menopause will be able to save up to £205 on their treatment under a new scheme to cut prescription costs.
Currently HRT prescriptions cost between £9.35 and £18.70, paid once a month. With the new prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) the department estimates 400,000 women will save hundreds of pounds per year.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
HRT is the main treatment for menopause symptoms, and around 15% of women aged 45 to 64 in England are currently prescribed it.
“HRT is a first line treatment for women who may need help with managing menopause symptoms which can be debilitating,” said Janet Lindsay, CEO of the charity Wellbeing of Women.
“Improving access to HRT, by reducing the prescription costs, is absolutely the right thing to do and will help to empower women during this life stage.”
How to get HRT for under £20
The PPC will be valid for 12 months and can be used to purchase a list of HRT prescription items, including patches, tablets and topical creams.
There’s no limit to how many times it can be used while it’s valid, and it can be used to purchase an unlimited number of HRT items.
Women will need to apply for it through the NHS Business Services Authority, or in person at a pharmacy that can sell the certificate.
Once granted it will be available to use on or after 1 April. To collect their medication patients will have to show a digital or paper copy of their certificate, and complete the exemption declaration.
A full list of the medications the PPC covers can be found on the government website.
-
August NS&I Premium Bond winners unveiled - have you scooped £1m?Two lucky NS&I Premium Bond winners are now millionaires in the August draw. Find out here if you are one of them
-
Savings rates more than double in a year as challenger banks top the best buy tables
The best savings rates have doubled - and in some cases tripled - in a year, with challenger banks offering the highest rates. While they are still no match for inflation, we look at what you could be earning.
-
Midlife MOT: what is it and who can get one?
The government has launched an online midlife MOT to help older workers with financial planning, health guidance and career skills. But how does it work, who can get one and would you pass it?
-
Coventry Building Society launches new best easy access savings account
Coventry Building Society's deal tops our easy access savings account list, but could your cash be put to better use?
-
NS&I boosts fixed-term savings rates
The NS&I, the government-backed savings institution has mirrored recent rate rises seen elsewhere in the market.
-
Should you let AI give you financial advice?
Can AI fill the financial advice gap? Kalpana Fitzpatrick looks at the pros and cons of using AI to guide your finances.
-
Small pension pots to be consolidated, says DWP
Workplace pension schemes worth less than £1,000 that become “deferred” when a saver changes jobs will be consolidated under a new system
-
Watchdog summons banks to explain paltry savings rates
Savings rates trail mortgage rates - and the financial watchdog has summoned banks to a meeting amid concerns of profiteering.
