NHSBSA publishes new exploratory analysis on PPC patient savings

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) has published a new exploratory analysis which estimates potential patient savings from using prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) and HRT (hormone replacement therapy) PPCs. Estimates show that prescription charges could have cost patients £837 million if they did not have a PPC or HRT PPC in 2023/24. 

The new report, which the NHSBSA will look to publish annually, provides data on PPC uptake and estimated savings.

The report shows that in 2023/24, just over three million PPCs were issued. More than two-thirds of these certificates were the 12-month PPC, uptake of which has increased year-on-year since 2018/19. A total of 936,000 three-month certificates were issued, reflecting an overall increase over the past five years. 

Around 566,000 HRT PPCs were issued in 2023/24. The HRT PPC was launched on 1 April 2023. 

Experimental analysis of NHS prescriptions data indicates that prescription charges could have cost patients an estimated £817 million if they did not have a three or 12-month PPC. Without an HRT PPC, prescription charges could have cost patients approximately £20.2 million. 

The report provides data on the potential savings that patients have missed out on by not purchasing an annual PPC or HRT PPC. Data is also provided on potential optimum savings, based on patients choosing the option that would save them the most money. It may, however, be difficult for patients to accurately predict the number of prescription items they will need in future, making it challenging to make the optimum choice. 

To access the full publication, go to https://nhsbsadata.shinyapps.io/ppc-savings-and-beneficiaries/.