prescription charges ?

Legacy_user

a family member has been claiming JSA since being made redundant, for years he has had back pain but finally got around to seeing his gp who thinks he could have either a crushed vertibre [sp] or it could be inflamed +/or twisted. while on JSA his prescriptions were free but now on sickness benefit [not sure what is called] he has been told he has to pay , is this right he gets approx £50 but his morphine costs £28 if he has to pay .

NASA_2

If he qualifies for ESA(C) then its more than possible that he will have to pay for his prescriptions.

System

ESA wrote: »

If he qualifies for ESA(C) then its more than possible that he will have to pay for his prescriptions.

what a strange set up ! if you are fit to work you get it free but if you are actually ill you have to pay !!! i suppose it works out cheaper for the goverment that way .
thanks for your quick reply.

MrsA1939

CHRISSYG wrote: »

what a strange set up ! if you are fit to work you get it free but if you are actually ill you have to pay !!! i suppose it works out cheaper for the goverment that way .
thanks for your quick reply.

I agree it is strange, especially as ESA payments are less than SSP

[Deleted User]

A prepayment certificate might be a big saving
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Medicinespharmacyandindustry/Prescriptions/NHScosts/DH_4049383

NASA_2

It is a bit weird.

ESA(C) overrules ESA(IR) though so where ESA(IR) is the same or less than ESA(C) prescriptions have to be paid for. This is what I have been told anyway.

System

thanks for all your replies , i think he is going to get a pre payment cert . just when you think this country cant get any worse something happens to prove otherwise.!

NASA_2

CHRISSYG wrote: »

thanks for all your replies , i think he is going to get a pre payment cert . just when you think this country cant get any worse something happens to prove otherwise.!

Its no different than would have happened on IB

This isnt all that new.

MamTor13

Phone your local JCP office and ask for a HC1 form before applying for a prepayment cert. The HC1 is for people on low incomes who don't get a qualifying benefit. They will assess your income and capital and you may then get full reduction of prescription charges, dental etc.

Rich44_2

and yet if you get the qualifying amount of working families tax credits you also get an exemption card, ours have just arrived so you're actually getting more money in (JSA and WTC/CTC) yet you're entitled to all the NHS "freebies" - weird

deb0020

CHRISSYG wrote: »

a family member has been claiming JSA since being made redundant, for years he has had back pain but finally got around to seeing his gp who thinks he could have either a crushed vertibre [sp] or it could be inflamed +/or twisted. while on JSA his prescriptions were free but now on sickness benefit [not sure what is called] he has been told he has to pay , is this right he gets approx £50 but his morphine costs £28 if he has to pay .

Is this any help?


How do I make a low income claim?

You need to complete form HC1 - this form cannot be downloaded from the web. You must obtain a hard copy. Ring the DH Publications Orderline on 0845 610 1112, Textphone number 08700 102 870, to get an HC1 and pre-paid return envelope. Jobcentre Plus offices and NHS hospitals should also have HC1s available. Some GPs, dentists, opticians might also have them.
When you have filled in the HC1 you should send it to: Patient Services, Sandyford House, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1DB - in the prepaid envelope provided.

taken from here:-

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Medicinespharmacyandindustry/Prescriptions/NHScosts/DH_4049391