HC3 Certificate

LJI1976

Hi all I sent off my HC1 form was hoping to receive a HC2 back to get help with prescriptions but got a HC3 form back it says on it "This certificate does not entitle you to free NHS prescriptions" .

Although I do need to see a dentist and they have 3 bands -:

Band 1: £19.70 covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish and planning for further treatment.
Band 2: £53.90 covers all treatment covered by Band 1, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth (extractions).
Band 3: £233.70 covers all treatment covered by Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures and bridges.

It says of the form"For NHS dental treatment, wigs and fabric supports you pay a maximum of £27.60"

Dose that mean if I need band 2 or 3 dental work that maximum i'll pay is £27.60... And if I need band 1 I pay £19.70 as that it less than £27.60?

If so that would be handy as I need bridge work doing so would be very handy.

Thanks for any reply.

LJ

KxMx

Spot on.

HC3 does mean no free prescriptions. You could look at getting a pre payment card:

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1127.aspx

If you pay for a year via Direct Debit it means the cost is £2 a week with 2 months payment free.

These can also be worth taking out for peace of mind even if you don't think you'll get enough to "make it pay".

As for Dentistry, yes you pay the first £27.60 for NHS treatment.

So Band 1 you pay £19.70, band 2 £27.60 and band 3 27.60.

From memory that amount applies per week so if you need further treatment later in the year, £27.60 would again be the maximum you needed to pay.