Nhs fine help

Legacy_user

Hi not sure this is in the right section but I was hoping somebody would be able to help me because I'm a nervous wreck , here is my problem :

I am a father of 3 children , and since my children were born first being 10 years ago I was under the impression that prescriptions were free until my children are 16 , however today I have received a fine letter from the nhs advising me that I owe 42.50 and the 8.70 for a prescription I had ticked tax exemption in April , and after reading up on it I see that there is a thread hold that I didn't know existed , the thing is I've been really ill over the last year and have probably had over 20 prescriptions , I'm not sure what to do , I'm already in a debt management plan and this adds more wood to the fire , I'm not sure what to do

sourcrates

john83gater wrote: »

Hi not sure this is in the right section but I was hoping somebody would be able to help me because I'm a nervous wreck , here is my problem :

I am a father of 3 children , and since my children were born first being 10 years ago I was under the impression that prescriptions were free until my children are 16 , however today I have received a fine letter from the nhs advising me that I owe 42.50 and the 8.70 for a prescription I had ticked tax exemption in April , and after reading up on it I see that there is a thread hold that I didn't know existed , the thing is I've been really ill over the last year and have probably had over 20 prescriptions , I'm not sure what to do , I'm already in a debt management plan and this adds more wood to the fire , I'm not sure what to do

Hi,

Ok, think some wires have been crossed here :


You can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you:

• are 60 or over
• are under 16
• are 16-18 and in full-time education
• are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)
• have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
• have a continuing physical disability that prevents you from going out without help from another person and have a valid MedEx
• hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
• are an NHS inpatient

You are also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you're under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit and meet the criteria

If you're entitled to or named on:

• a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate – if you don't have a certificate, you can show your award notice; you qualify if you get Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits with a disability element (or both) and have income for tax credit purposes of £15,276 or less
• a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.
Find out more about the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).


Why exactly have you been fined ?

System

Hi , together as a family we claim tax credit but we earn more than 15,276, I never new there was a threshold , I just thought if you were earning tax credits and had children under 16 you were entitled to free prescriptions until the age of 16 , I haven't paid for a prescription in 10 years

fatbelly

It's a non-priority debt - you can add it to your dmp.

System

I actually got one of those letters today, and in my case got it quashed as it was just because with a change of address they couldn't find my prepayment certificate

Anyway they said that they just take a random sampling, so I don't think they'll charge you for more unless they tell you about it

sourcrates

john83gater wrote: »

Hi , together as a family we claim tax credit but we earn more than 15,276, I never new there was a threshold , I just thought if you were earning tax credits and had children under 16 you were entitled to free prescriptions until the age of 16 , I haven't paid for a prescription in 10 years

Yes if you qualify for free prescriptions they send you an exemption certificate.
If you need more prescriptions in the future, and you don't qualify for any help, it's cheaper to buy a pre-payment certificate.

A 12 month one will cost approx £120 (paid monthly @ £10) which is half the usual cost at the counter and it includes unlimited items.

Fatbellys advice is good with regard to the debt, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

System

But say I had 20 prescriptions this last 6 months do you think I should expect 20 bills of £50 ? Should I ring them and explain or just pay this one and hope not to receive anymore?

sourcrates

john83gater wrote: »

But say I had 20 prescriptions this last 6 months do you think I should expect 20 bills of £50 ? Should I ring them and explain or just pay this one and hope not to receive anymore?

Don't rock the boat, they can't check every single script, don't say a word !!

Karonher

john83gater wrote: »

But say I had 20 prescriptions this last 6 months do you think I should expect 20 bills of £50 ? Should I ring them and explain or just pay this one and hope not to receive anymore?

If you know you should have paid you can add it to your DMP.

I dont like having to pay over £8 for prescriptions but if we want a health service everyone not exempt should pay.

System

I didn't know at the time , I thought I was exempt because I have kids and I am on tax credits , don't know when it changed from me getting free prescriptions to me having to pay . Don't get me wrong if they were to tell me pay the prescription charge I would do it , just not with a £40 charge on all of them

datlex

OP sorry to be harsh but by ticking the box you were acting fraudulently. I will give you benefit of doubt and appreciate that it was not a deliberately fraudulent act on your part. You should however face the consequences of your actions, ignorance is no defence in law. Pay the money you owe and suck it up!!!