NHS Business Services Authority

(Help with Health Costs)

Sandyford House
Archbold Terrace
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE2 1DB

Telephone:
NHS Low Income Scheme: 0845 850 1166
Prescription Pre-payment Certificates, Medical and Maternity exemption certificates:

• General enquiries before application: 0845 850 0030
• Enquiries after application: 0845 601 8076

Tax Credits: 0845 609 9299
Fax: 0191 203 5507
Web: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk

Opening hours:
8:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday
9:00am - 3:00pm Saturday

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) manages a range of patient services including:

The NHS Low Income Scheme (England, Scotland and Wales)

This scheme provides help a "safety net" for people who don't automatically qualify for help with health costs, but who still find it difficult to pay. This scheme can assist with the following health costs:

• NHS prescriptions
• NHS dental treatment
• Sight tests
• Vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses
• Travel costs reasonably incurred under attend hospital
• NHS Wigs and fabric supports

Claims are assessed using information provided by the claimant on form HC1. This form can be ordered on line from the NHSBSA website or by phoning 0845 850 1166. It can also be picked up from Jobcentre plus offices, as well as most opticians, dentists and NHS hospitals

Medical Exemption Certificates (England only)

The medical exemption scheme entitles patients with certain conditions, including cancer, epilepsy and diabetes, to free NHS prescriptions. Certificates are valid for 5 years. Applications are made via the patient's GP.

Maternity Exemption Certificates (England only)

Certificates are valid for a year from the expected date of the child's birth and cover NHS prescription and dental charges. Applications are made via the patient's GP or midwife.

Prescription Pre-payment Certificates (PPCs) (England only)

People that have to pay prescription charges and need regular medication can save money with a PPC if they need 4 items or more in 3 months, or 14 items in a year. PPCs can be bought over the phone, by post and on-line. The fee for a 12 month PPC is £104.00, while the 3-month PPC costs £28.25. There is no limit to the number of prescriptions a patient can have dispensed with a PPC.

There a 4 ways to apply for a PPC:

• Over the internet at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk
• By phone - call 0845 850 0030
• By post - by completing form FP95 available from pharmacies and doctors, or downloaded from www.dh.gov.uk
• From a pharmacy registered to sell PPCs. A list of registered pharmacies is available on the NHSBSA website

NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificates (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) notifies the NHSBSA of people with income of less than £15,276 per year who receive either Child Tax Credit, or Working Tax Credit that includes a disability element. Certificates are typically valid for up to 15 months and cover the whole range of NHS chargeable services.

For further information on help with health costs, see booklet HC11 available online at the NHSBSA website (use the search facility).