People in the North East and Yorkshire with long-term health conditions, and those living in areas which may generally have lower incomes, are being reminded they could save money on their regular prescriptions.

A new NHS England campaign encourages people to use prescription prepayment certificates if they pay for more than three items in three months, or 11 items in 12 months. A prescription prepayment certificate covers all NHS prescriptions for a set pre-paid price which can also be spread over 10 direct debit payments.

Meanwhile, people who are on a low income may be entitled to help with costs, or even free prescriptions, through the low income scheme, depending on their circumstances. Visit the low income scheme eligibility checker to find out more.

Dr Faisel Baig, Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS North East and Yorkshire, said the new campaign aims to support people living with long-term conditions, as well as those in areas which may generally have lower incomes, because data showed these populations receive significantly more prescription items than people in less deprived areas.

“Ahead of winter the NHS is looking at how best we can support our patients and communities in light of the rising cost of living,” Dr Baig said. “Prescription pre-payment certificates, and help for those eligible with NHS costs, which could include free prescriptions depending on patients’ circumstances, are two effective ways of doing this.

“As well as reaching out to patients, I would also encourage fellow healthcare professionals to remind the patients you see, who live with a long-term condition, they may be able to save money on their prescriptions.”

People living with long term conditions who may be eligible for support through the prescription-saving schemes are those living with sickle cell, asthma, motor neurone disease (MND), HIV, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis (MS), Dr Baig, who is also a GP in North Lincolnshire, explained.

A Healthwatch poll found that one in ten people have avoided taking up one or more NHS prescriptions because of the cost, due to the cost of living crisis.