From 1 April women going through the menopause will be able to access hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for under £20 a year.
The Department of Health and Social Care announced women going through the menopause will be able to save up to £205 on their treatment under a new scheme to cut prescription costs.
Currently HRT prescriptions cost between £9.35 and £18.70, paid once a month. With the new prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) the department estimates 400,000 women will save hundreds of pounds per year.
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HRT is the main treatment for menopause symptoms, and around 15% of women aged 45 to 64 in England are currently prescribed it.
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“HRT is a first line treatment for women who may need help with managing menopause symptoms which can be debilitating,” said Janet Lindsay, CEO of the charity Wellbeing of Women.
“Improving access to HRT, by reducing the prescription costs, is absolutely the right thing to do and will help to empower women during this life stage.”
How to get HRT for under £20
The PPC will be valid for 12 months and can be used to purchase a list of HRT prescription items, including patches, tablets and topical creams.
There’s no limit to how many times it can be used while it’s valid, and it can be used to purchase an unlimited number of HRT items.
Women will need to apply for it through the NHS Business Services Authority, or in person at a pharmacy that can sell the certificate.
Once granted it will be available to use on or after 1 April. To collect their medication patients will have to show a digital or paper copy of their certificate, and complete the exemption declaration.
A full list of the medications the PPC covers can be found on the government website.
