Since launching on April 1 last year, over 500,000 women in England have accessed more affordable hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the primary treatment for alleviating negative menopause symptoms.
This significant milestone, achieved through the Hormone Replacement Therapy Prescription Prepayment Certificate (HRT PPC), has not only helped women manage their menopause symptoms effectively but has also resulted in substantial savings on prescription charges.
HRT PPC: A cornerstone of England’s Women’s Health Strategy
A central component of the inaugural year of England’s Women’s Health Strategy, which prioritised menopause as a key focus area, the HRT PPC has successfully reduced prescription costs to a mere £19.30 per year.
This certificate can be applied to a range of eligible HRT items, including patches, tablets, and topical preparations.
Patients can leverage the HRT PPC as frequently as needed throughout the year, empowering them to manage their symptoms without the burden of exorbitant prescription expenses.
Government tackles supply issues and establishes women’s health hubs
Beyond cost reduction for hormone replacement therapy, the government has also addressed supply challenges by collaborating with suppliers to meet the escalating demand.
Moreover, as part of a broader initiative, women experiencing menopause symptoms will now benefit from establishing women’s health hubs across local health areas in the country.
With a committed investment of £25m, these women’s health hubs aim to enhance access to care, improve health outcomes, and mitigate health inequalities.
The government’s goal is to establish at least one women’s health hub in every local area this year, providing improved access and quality care services for menstrual problems, contraception, pelvic pain, menopause care, and more.
NHS England pilots new menopause guidance
In alignment with efforts to improve menopause care, NHS England is set to pilot new guidance for nurses, general practitioners (GPs), and other staff.
The guidance will aid in better recognising and treating menopause symptoms, with a specific focus on integrated care systems within the Midlands region.
How to Access the HRT PPC
For women seeking the HRT PPC, there are several convenient options:
- Online through the NHSBSA website;
- In-person at select pharmacies;
- For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, a text relay service is available from May 25, 2023, by dialling 18001 followed by the relevant phone number; and
- The NHSBSA offers a telephone translation service and can provide documents in large print or Braille upon request.
Before obtaining the HRT PPC, it is essential to:
- Check eligibility for free NHS prescriptions using the eligibility checker on the NHSBSA website;
- Ensure that the prescribed medicine is covered by the HRT PPC, referring to the list of eligible HRT medications; and
- Consider whether a 3 or 12-month general PPC is more suitable, covering all NHS prescriptions and potentially being more cost-effective for those prescribed other medications alongside HRT.
The HRT PPC is valid for 12 months, allowing unlimited use before expiration. Women are encouraged to obtain the certificate just before their next prescription to maximise its utility over the year.
