Prescription charges in England are to rise by 20 pence to £7.85 per item from 1st April 2013, the Government has announced.
In a statement to the House of Commons, health minister Earl Howe said: ‘Regulations will be laid before the House shortly to increase certain NHS charges in England from 1 April 2013.
‘There will be an increase in the prescription charge of 20p from £7.65 to £7.85 for each quantity of a drug or appliance dispensed.’
However, the cost of a prescription prepayment certificate will remain the same for another year at £29.10 for a three-month certificate and £104 for an annual certificate. These certificates offer savings for patients needing four or more items in three months or 14 or more items in one year.
Earl Howe said charges would also increase by 2.5% for wigs and fabric supports such as surgical brassieres and abdominal or spinal supports. There will also be increases in dental charges.
