Pharmacies to digitally check if patients get free prescriptions - MSE News

pmduk

If you claim the HC2 it shows the names of those covered, you can still claim even if you have an automatic exemption. Obviously, they'd rather you didn't, it saves them some admin, but until they have a better system for proving exemption, it's their tough luck.

phryne

pmduk wrote: »

Get yourself an HC2, your name will be on it. Whilst there's no actual need to do so it'll avoid any future explanations.

Not allowed to apply for an HC2 because I'm already entitled to free prescriptions. Sounds like Crazybunnehlady is having similar issues, as are a lot of people, I expect.

jenniewb

phryne wrote: »

Not allowed to apply for an HC2 because I'm already entitled to free prescriptions. Sounds like Crazybunnehlady is having similar issues, as are a lot of people, I expect.

Have you tried a postal prescription service? I know a few companies are offering this now including Lloyds the chemists and I would imagine any prescription payment issue would be dealt with in a far easier way and without constant anxiety every time you go to collect a prescription. I'd also suggest trying a different chemists but I know that in some areas they are difficult to find.

pmduk

phryne wrote: »

Not allowed to apply for an HC2 because I'm already entitled to free prescriptions. Sounds like Crazybunnehlady is having similar issues, as are a lot of people, I expect.

You can apply for an HC2, I have done it when necessary, it saves time at the hospital - DWP letters are insufficient for them as nowadays they don't mention income related JSA.

The HC1 form says that you don't need to apply, but not that you can't.

bugslet

I'd welcome it!

I've had a pre-paid card for a few years now. Late last year I lost my old e-mail address and therefore didn't get the reminder e-mail to pay for the coming year. Went in for the next prescription, ticked box F.....and a stonking fine came through for £88.00 plus the charges for the medication.

Yes, it was entirely my fault for being a muppet* and not remembering, the point is if it was coming up automatically I would have been told and paid then and there instead of getting a fine.


*It is a very stressful year so far!

phryne

pmduk wrote: »

You can apply for an HC2, I have done it when necessary, it saves time at the hospital - DWP letters are insufficient for them as nowadays they don't mention income related JSA.

The HC1 form says that you don't need to apply, but not that you can't.

Well I've tried applying for it online and I know you can't. The form won't let you proceed with the application as soon as you click the box to say you are in receipt of means tested benefits.

phryne

jenniewb wrote: »

Have you tried a postal prescription service? I know a few companies are offering this now including Lloyds the chemists and I would imagine any prescription payment issue would be dealt with in a far easier way and without constant anxiety every time you go to collect a prescription. I'd also suggest trying a different chemists but I know that in some areas they are difficult to find.

Thanks for the suggestion, but the chemist is only round the corner and frankly we have so much post go missing / get stolen in our block of flats I'm not sure it's a good idea.


All they need to do is update their system to include both partners names. For some reason this seems too much to ask..

pmduk

phryne wrote: »

Well I've tried applying for it online and I know you can't. The form won't let you proceed with the application as soon as you click the box to say you are in receipt of means tested benefits.

I've checked today and can't find a method of applying for the HC2 online. Apply for Form HC1 here. Complete it, and submit it by post. A friend received his HC2 by this method 2-3 weeks back.

NB That page states:

You don't need to apply if you or your partner:

get Income Support
get income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
get income-related Employment and Support Allowance
get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
are named on or entitled to 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
get Universal Credit and meet the criteria
These benefits or tax credits already entitle you to full help with health costs.

Not that you can't apply. (my added emphasis)

Ames

pmduk wrote: »

I've checked today and can't find a method of applying for the HC2 online. Apply for Form HC1 here. Complete it, and submit it by post. A friend received his HC2 by this method 2-3 weeks back.

NB That page states:
Not that you can't apply. (my added emphasis)

Or pick up a HC1 form from a pharmacy or opticians. (Possibly other places, they're the ones I know have them).

phryne

pmduk wrote: »

I've checked today and can't find a method of applying for the HC2 online. Apply for Form HC1 here. Complete it, and submit it by post. A friend received his HC2 by this method 2-3 weeks back.

NB That page states:
Not that you can't apply. (my added emphasis)

I think you're haggling over semantics.


It won't issue you a certificate if you're already in receipt of means tested benefits. Believe me, I have been through this over the years, several times.