Medical Exemption Certificates
Q. What will be covered by the certificate?
A. Your NHS prescriptions.
Q. How long will it last?
A. For administrative convenience, a Medical Exemption Certificate will last for 5 years or until your 60th birthday, whichever is the sooner.
Q. How long will it be before I receive the certificate?
A. You should expect to receive your certificate within 10 working days of us receiving your application.
Q. I need some prescriptions now but I do not have a certificate. Do I have to wait until it arrives?
A. Your certificate will start from the date one month before the date we get you application. You can claim a refund of any charges paid form that date, however, you must ask you pharmacist for an official NHS receipt for any charges you pay. It is called form FP57.
Q. I have a Medical Exemption Certificate, but I have just got married and changed my name. Is it possible to have a new certificate?
A. Please write to us, returning your certificate and include a copy of your marriage certificate. Our address is:
NHS Help With Health Costs
Medical Exemption
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1BF
Q. I've already paid for prescriptions, but I did not get the official NHS receipt FP57. Does that mean I cannot claim a refund?
A. Only in exceptional circumstances can a refund be made without the official NHS receipt FP57. If there was a reason why you were unable to get an FP57 from the pharmacy, please write to:
Service Improvement Team
NHS Help With Health Costs
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE2 1BF
explaining your reasons and enclosing any proof of payment that you have (e.g. a till receipt). A Service Improvement Advisor will consider your claim.
Q. I've already got a Prescription Pre-payment Certificate (PPC). Can I get the money back for it?
A. It depends on how long you've had the certificate and how long it has to run. Once you have received your medical exemption certificate, return your PPC with a letter of explanation (including your medical exemption certificate reference number) to:
NHS Help With Health Costs
PPC Issue Office
PO Box 854
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 2DE
We will let you know whether your are entitled to anything back.
Q. My current Medical Exemption is due to expire. How do I renew it?
A. We will send you a reminder letter, including a renewal application form about 1 month before your certificate is due to expire.
Q. I did not receive a renewal letter and my Medical Exemption certificate has expired?
A. Please contact us on 0845 601 8076 and we will advise you what to do.
Q. How do doctors surgeries get new versions of the FP92A with cancer on them?
A: In late January, an initial supply of the new ‘1 January 2009’ version of the FP92A form will be distributed directly to all GPs and any oncology departments that registered their details with us. For further supplies of the new form they should contact their PCT / NHS Trust form supply unit.
Q. What types of cancer are covered? Who decides this?
A: An exemption certificate can be issued to a person undergoing treatment for:
- cancer;
- the effects of cancer; or
- the effects of current or previous cancer treatment
It is a matter for the doctor’s clinical judgement in deciding whether a patient falls within this category.
Q. What if I need lots of prescriptions, but do not qualify for a medical exemption certificate?
A: There are other ways in which a person may get free NHS prescription charges. These include:
- because they, or their partner, get Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit;
- NHS Tax Credit exemption certificates, if they or their partner receive tax credits and satisfy the conditions to receive a certificate;
- NHS Maternity exemption certificates, if they are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months;
- the NHS Low Income Scheme, because they have a low income.
If you have to pay, but need lots of prescriptions, you could also save money by purchasing a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC).
Full details of the help available can be found in leaflet HC11.
Q. Can I get NHS wigs and fabric supports with my Medical Exemption Certificate?
A: A Medical Exemption Certificate does not provide help with the cost of NHS wigs or fabric supports. There are other ways in which a person may get help with the cost, including:
- because they, or their partner, get Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit;
- NHS Tax Credit exemption certificates, if they or their partner receive tax credits and satisfy the conditions to receive a certificate;
- the NHS Low Income Scheme, because they have a low income.
Full details of the help available can be found in leaflet HC11.
Q. Can I apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate if I have another long term medical condition not listed?
A: Only the exempting medical conditions listed on the FP92A are eligible at present. The government is currently reviewing other long term medical conditions.