ESA Support Group and Prescriptions

Folar

Hiya peeps,

I've looked everywhere but I can't find out whether I get free prescriptions now I am in the Support Group.

I collected my monthly cocktail this morning and the doctors pharmacist said I do get it and to just sign so I have but I would hate to get in trouble if I am not eligible.

I was on ESA WRAG Cont based but this ran out on 30th April. I should have been placed in the Support Group in January but it took them until now to get it sorted out. I've not yet had the letter but I was told via email that I am now in the Support Group.

Any help would be appreciated.

Fols x

Chorlie

I think you only get free prescriptions if your on Income Based ESA (WRAG or Support) and not Cont. Based ESA.

I'm on Cont. Based ESA and have never had a NHS Exception Cert.


http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_10018978

mazza111

Believe it's only on IR ESA, however you may qualify under the low income rules.

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/nhs-low-income-scheme.aspx

Folar

So although my cont. based ESA in the WRAG has stopped under the 365 day rule, I will be on Cont based ESA in the Support Group?

Sorry, I'm having a job getting it straight in my head. Prob the new drugs.

nannytone_2

free prescriptions are based on hisehold income so if you are pn conts based ESA ( which isnt means tested) you are not automatically entitled to free prescriptions.
if you have a low household income, then you will be entitled to free prescritions.

do you have a partner that works?

Folar

Ok thanks. I understand now. I will have to pay for my prescriptions from now on then. I wonder what will happen to the one today I didn't pay for? I am back at the docs tomorrow so I had better let them know. Blimey it's going to cost me about £150 a month on prescriptions. Better get one of those prepaid thingies.

Thanks for your help.

Limana68

Can you collect the prescriptions yourself, as my hubby is on cont based esa( support group) and he has a medical exemption certificate as I collect them all for him as he cant go out on his own.
Worth looking into, you get a form signed by your GP, not sure what the no is though
Li

KxMx

It's worth applying under the NHS low income scheme, or by the sounds of it you would benefit from buying a pre-payment certificate clicky

mum2one

I def agree if your not on medicaition that you need for life saving eg insulin or other diabetuc drugs, you may be able to apply under the NHS low income scheme.

I get mine free for being a diabetic, but when I use to pay I always got a prepayment certificate, i use to do a 3 monthly one, then leave it 4 to 6 weeks before getting one.

You can buy 3 monthly or 12 monthly one. i'm pretty sure you can get a 3mth one from chemist.

When my mum paid for her prescriptions she did the prepayment, then when she became diabetic her prepayment was useless, so she sent it back and got a refund, certainly a lot cheaper than paying for a wack of prescriptions!

juliep123

My pre-payment certificate is paid with a direct debit which costs me £10 per month.It saves me an absolute fortune and they automatically send you a new one every 12 months.I think you can apply online too.
Jules

Folar

Thanks everyone. I will have to get a prepayment as I don't have any life saving medication such as insulin and hubby works so although money is tight we are not quite on the bread line. Will take a look and set one up for the next lot of drugs.

Fols x