From rxpgnews.com

UK
An increase in prescription charges in UK
By DOH, UK
Mar 11, 2005, 16:00

An increase in prescription charges of 10p was announced today by Health Minister Rosie Winterton with the charge for a single prescription item rising to �6.50 on 1 April 2005.

The changes to NHS charges are:

* The cost of prescription prepayment certificates will rise 50p to �33.90 for a 4 month certificate, and increase �1.40 (to �93.20) for a 12 month certificate
* The maximum patient charge for a single course of dental treatment will increase from �378 to �384, applicable to only two in every 1,000 courses of treatment
* To help those on low incomes and those with complex sight problems, with the cost of glasses or contact lenses, optical voucher values will rise by 2.5 per cent

Rosie Winterton said:

"We have held the increase to 10 pence for the seventh consecutive year, well below the rate of inflation to ensure that people can get the prescriptions they need, at prices they can afford. Through our extensive exemption arrangements, 86 per cent of prescription items are dispensed free, with another 5 per cent dispensed to people with prepayment certificates at no additional charge.

"This modest increase will contribute �452 million towards the cost of the NHS."


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