Cheaper Menopause HRT Hits England from April
From 1 April, women in England can grab a bargain on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with a new prescription prepayment certificate (PPC). This move slashes annual costs to under £20, saving around 400,000 women hundreds of pounds each year.
How the New HRT PPC Works
- The HRT PPC costs just £19.30 a year.
- It covers a range of HRT treatments including patches, tablets, and topical creams.
- Use it as many times as you like throughout the year.
- Available online or at selected pharmacies.
This scheme aims to break down financial barriers and make menopause care more accessible as demand for HRT soars.
Experts and Officials Back the New Deal
Health Secretary Steve Barclay: “Menopause care is essential healthcare, and we are ensuring cost is no longer a barrier to women getting the medicines they need. Better access to HRT will improve the lives of millions and give women freedom to control their symptoms.”
Minister for Women’s Health Strategy Maria Caulfield: “Reducing the price of a year’s worth of HRT to under £20 is a huge moment for levelling the playing field. Everyone is different, and price should never block access to treatment.”
Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Women’s Health Ambassador: “Making HRT easier to access will significantly improve women’s lives and help them reach their full potential.”
User Helen Simmons: “As someone with multiple HRT prescriptions, the PPC is a brilliant step forward. The application was simple, and I’ve already told others about it.”
Why HRT Matters
HRT is a safe, effective treatment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, joint pain, and vaginal dryness. It can also lower risks of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Getting Your HRT PPC: What You Need to Know
- Order online at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/hrt-ppc or pick up at some pharmacies.
- Ask your doctor to provide HRT prescriptions on separate forms to qualify for the PPC.
- Use your certificate at any pharmacy multiple times during its 12-month validity.
- If hard of hearing, use the Text Relay service from 25 May.
- Support is available via phone at 0300 330 2089, plus translation and accessible formats on request.
Important Tips Before You Buy
- Check if you already qualify for free NHS prescriptions.
- Ensure your medicine is on the approved HRT PPC list.
- Consider if a general PPC covering all prescriptions might be more cost-effective for you.
- Buy the certificate just before your next prescription to get the full 12 months’ use.
Government Boosts Women’s Health Support
The HRT PPC launch is a key part of the Women’s Health Strategy for England, which prioritises menopause care. There’s also a £25 million investment in women’s health hubs for community support, plus new workplace initiatives to back women through menopause.
