End of ESA - how do I then pay for my medication?

Folara

Hiya

I am currently appealing my ESA to be moved from WRAG to Support Group, however if I fail and my ESA then stops in April, how on earth can I afford to pay for my medication? I'm on 12 different medications a month so you can imagine how much that's going to cost.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

Fols

jaja

Hi fols

yes these changes that are happening are affecting us all in ways we havent thought of yet...we'll all be facing terrible times and worrying times over the next few years with PIP AND universal credit and esa,none of us are secure....with med costs do they still do a pre-payment system...they did..you payed either for the year or quaterly a set amount for as many items as you needed...i think your chemist should know. the other way to cut cost is to change how often you have a repeat...you pay per item so if yo have say..3 months supply it will cost the same as 1months...hence cutting your costs..hope that helps...

JAJA

Folara

Hi JAJA

I can't believe the Government really think this is a good plan. It's so ridiculous.

I shall look into the pre-payment thing and when I see my GP next I will ask if some of my items can be for a longer period than a month. I know the Zomorph can't be as they are very funny about that (understandably).

Somedays I really do feel like just giving up on everything.

Thanks for the help.

Fols x

janie68

Folara

If you feel like it, Perhaps write to your MP and that man who is hellbent on ruining our lives, David Cameron about what you have written here? They need to know what their cuts are doing to genuine sick and disabled people.

I will certainly write to our Dave when I get turned down for ESA.

Janie

tillytop

Hi Fols

Here is a link to the information about prescription pre-payment certificates.

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2422.aspx?CategoryID=68&SubCategoryID=161

When you buy one of these you will not pay for any medicines during the period of the prepayment card, however many you have.

I think you may also be entitled to help with prescription costs if you are on certain other benefits - see link below which might help.

http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcosts/pages/Abouthealthcosts.aspx

Good luck.

Tillyxxx

Folara

Good idea Janie.

I have letters to write tomorrow anyway so think I will include dear David and my MP, Sir Richard Benyon, another Cons, to the list. I'm good when I'm on a roll hehehe.

Fols x

Folara

Thanks Tilly. Will go take a look

Fols x

jaja

Hi...yes talk to your G.P mine does mine for 2
months at a time...but yes im sure there is certain ones they wont..but when i changed to every 2months i realised that was my bill halved!!! and the chemist said some of her customers have 3months at a time...every little helps!!..i dont think this governent thincks the changes are a good or bad idear...and i dont think they are hellbent on ruining our llives...the fact is they are not the slightest bit interested in us or our lives..they just want to stop paying money to everyone they can..long and short of it...if they can stop paying they will who ever and whatever!!

JAJA

ichabod6

You could ask your doctor or your pharmacist for a
medication review. You may not necessarily need all of
the 12 medications you say you take.

Folara

Just had a review and started on another tablet, with a further one being added in a couple of weeks time. The medication isn't just for OA, I have other needs too unfortunately.

I'm off to the docs tomorrow so will ask about bi-monthly amounts of meds. Every little helps

Fols x

dreamdaisy

The pre-payment certificate is the best way to go if you have to pay for your meds. You can pay in one lump sum for cover for a year (which I think is now about £140) or get three monthly ones (£29.50) or pay £10.40 per month (I think that's the current level) on a direct debit. It matters not how many meds you get per perscription, in the past I have had up to sixteen in one go, and the certificate covered the lot. it is worth having, believe you me! I wish you well. DD

Nixxy

DD is spot on, if you are working and not on a low income then a pre-payment certificate is exactly what you need. No need for altering prescriptions, regular reviews are important. Just over a tenner a month no matter how many you have, I get everything on prescription for this reason including over the counter meds like paracetamol etc.

If you are in receipt of the following then you don't pay prescription charges.
◦Income Support.
◦Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
◦Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
◦Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

If you are on a low income then you can apply for a HC2 certificate so also don't pay, pick up an application at the hospital or Jobcentre Plus.

YellowFish

Hi Fols,

I'm still working so I get my meds through pre-payment. It's easy to apply online, and you can a choice to pay up front or each month with a direct debit.

You can still get your medicine while you're waiting for the card to come through in the post - the pharmacist doesn't actually need to see it, you just sign to say you have paid for a prepayment card.

Hope you manage to get it sorted.

Folara

Hi and thanks everyone. Sadly I am not working after losing my job of 14 years when a new company took over and pushed me out due to my disabilities - long story

I am appealing to be moved to ESA Support Group as there is no way I could work at the moment (always hopeful I will improve) but come April I will be one of the many who end up not able to get JS or ESA.

So it looks like I shall have to arrange for the pre-payment which will thankfully save me a small fortune.

Really appreciated your help, and thanks for no judgemental comments like you get on other forums.

Fols x

traluvie

I wrote to my MP last week as i was furious about the new rules coming into play APril..

I recieved an email to say that my concerns have been noted and that they will personally look into my case for me, to see if they can help in anyway..

Might be worth a shot..x

Folara

Thanks Tracey,

I am just trying to write a letter to the DWP as I am supposed to be going for an interview as they put me in the WRAG and tbh at the mo I am in too much pain to go and my Dr has advised against it. I don't think they are going to be too happy with me.

I will write and send a copy of the letter to my MP.

I honestly never realized how much you have to fight for your rights when your health takes a turn for the worse. It really doesn't help does it.

Fols x

pinkbritishstars

Hi Folara

Just wanted to wish you good luck with the appeal.

I hope you get the outcome you want :-)

Take Care

Bronwyn x