Help, I'm in a pickle!

kerrydan

Hi, I have been ticking the exemption certificate on the prescriptions as i thought I was entitled to it due to an underactive thyroid. I have a vacant memory of having a certificate, however I don't know if this was due to tax credits or not. I have realised due to moving house that I can't find one and don't know if I registered it or not now.
I know I fit the criteria but don't know if to ring them and ask them if I am registered but I am worried about getting prosecuted.
I just forgot as I am always dealing with my son's disability benefits and forget myself. Has anyone been in this position?

TattyG

I think if you have an underactive thyroid, you are entitled to free prescriptions anyway

Have a look here x http://www.thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/NHS_Information/prescription-info.html

GirlFromMars_2

Hello, yes, I was in a similar situation once, could not work out how to get a replacement, and the pharmacy started asking for it. In the end I got my GP to apply for a new one, which turned up. Of course 2 years later, when my original was due to expire another new one turned up, so I had two running at once for a while!

Anyway, just dug out my letter to see what it says about replacements:

"If your certificate is lost, stolen or damaged, please write to/email us for a replacement. Tell us what has happened and quote your full name, date of birth, certificate number and NHS number if possible. Alternatively you can order a replacement certificate by calling our enquiry line on 0845 6018076."

"While you are waiting for your replacement certificate you can contiune to sign the back of the prescription form to say that you do not have to pay. But if you claim free prescriptions after your certificate has run out you could be liable for a penalty charge."

Exemption Issue Office
PO Box 854
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE99 2DE

Sncjw

Apply for a new card. I have under active thyroid. I had to get doc to tick the box for application as I didn't know which one I fit into. Just need to go to docs to get form. I find some pharmacy ask for card some don't and some write down number on script .

leveller2911

People get exemption certificates for numerous ailments such as under active thyroid and diabetes but Asthmatics are Not exempt. There are 5.4 million Asthmatics in the UK compared to 2.9 million diabetics so they must have spun a coin to decide who is worthy of free prescriptions.

People die every day from Asthma, let alone the working hours lost due to Asthma attacks but we can't get exemptions from prescription charges which is nothing short of a disgrace.

mel48rose

leveller2911 wrote: »

People get exemption certificates for numerous ailments such as under active thyroid and diabetes but Asthmatics are Not exempt. There are 5.4 million Asthmatics in the UK compared to 2.9 million diabetics so they must have spun a coin to decide who is worthy of free prescriptions.

People die every day from Asthma, let alone the working hours lost due to Asthma attacks but we can't get exemptions from prescription charges which is nothing short of a disgrace.

Thats got nowt to do with what the OP asked has it??

leveller2911

mel48rose wrote: »

Thats got nowt to do with what the OP asked has it??

Correct.Its a rant and shows how unfair the system is.As this is a Forum (Google will explain the meaning) I will continue to post my opinions...

Many thanks.......

Indie_Kid

But this forum is to help get people what they're entitled to. Not for you to post rants about how unfair the system is. That's what Discussion Time is for.

MissMoneypenny

leveller2911 wrote: »

People get exemption certificates for numerous ailments such as under active thyroid and diabetes but Asthmatics are Not exempt. There are 5.4 million Asthmatics in the UK compared to 2.9 million diabetics so they must have spun a coin to decide who is worthy of free prescriptions.

People die every day from Asthma, let alone the working hours lost due to Asthma attacks but we can't get exemptions from prescription charges which is nothing short of a disgrace.

They have to draw a line somewhere and at least your treatment is subsidised by the NHS. Women have to pay for tampons/towels every month and they have to pay "luxury" VAT on them.

leveller2911

MissMoneypenny wrote: »

They have to draw a line somewhere and at least your treatment is subsidised by the NHS. Women have to pay for tampons/towels every month and they have to pay "luxury" VAT on them.

Oh please, are you seriously suggesting that a monthly period is an illness you can die from?.. Feel free to have a rant of your own re tampons etc but there is no link between the two. I would however agree that VAT on tampons is also a disgrace, its not as thought they are a luxury item.Start a petition and I will gladly sign it.

You are correct that over a lifetime Asthmatics are subsidised via the NHS but did you know that Salbutamol (Ventolin) inhalers are actually more expensive on the NHS than private?. No thought not.

I woud also point out that those with Diabetes and underactive thyroids etc are also subsidised by the NHS so why do they draw the line at Asthma and other similar conditions that are no less dangerous than diabetes or UAT , they should not be treated as a "special case".

MissMoneypenny

leveller2911 wrote: »

Oh please, are you seriously suggesting that a monthly period is an illness you can die from?..

You were saying it was a disgrace that you paid subsidised rates instead of getting an exemptions, hence my comment.

As I said, the line has to be drawn somewhere.

leveller2911 wrote: »

did you know that Salbutamol (Ventolin) inhalers are actually more expensive on the NHS than private?. No thought not.

A few things are cheaper over the counter, hence why people should check. :money:If you need a lot of things then get one of those flat fee NHS cards. :money:

leveller2911 wrote: »

I woud also point out that those with Diabetes and underactive thyroids etc are also subsidised by the NHS so why do they draw the line at Asthma and other similar conditions that are no less dangerous than diabetes or UAT , they should not be treated as a "special case".

Becasue they are not on the list. I'm sure many think they are a special case and should get things free, but that's not how it works. It could be worse, you could live in a country that doesn't have a free healthcare service.