NHS PPC Panic

dearlouise

In 2017 I was hit with a fine after ticking the box for exception of paying for prescriptions on the basis of having a PPC, when it had actually lapsed just days days before. I used to pay quarterly for a 3 monthly one, I usually knew the exact dates etc of when to renew, but clearly made a mistake and should have renewed before picking up my next prescription. 

Vowing to never have this happen again, I set up a direct debit to pay monthly instead.

I have just sat down this morning to re-assess my finances and had an old list of direct debits to work from and was updating their amounts & dates for my new plan. Though I couldn't see my NHS PPC direct debit anywhere... cue me being very confused. I went into my filing system and found the letter setting up the DD in 2017. Cue more confusing as to why I couldn't see it now... 

I've trawled though my statements and have found that the direct debt stopped in October 2019! OCTOBER 2019!!! I have repeat prescriptions & have been signing to say I have a PPC since then!

I'm now absolutely terrified I'm going to get into big big trouble for this. I'm currently on hold to my bank to try to find out why the direct debit stopped.

I moved house 10 months ago & haven't updated my address at the doctors yet, since you have to do it in person & I just haven't gotten around to popping in - I rarely get home from work before they close. What if they've been sending me awful letters to my old address? Though I left a forwarding address, I don't know if they'd actually forward them on. When you sign up for a DD they have your email address and phone number and I haven't had any calls or emails. Would they contact the GP issuing the certs? Would they call me to let me know?

I'm really in bits about this and don't know what to do.