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April 2024 may feel like an average month to many, but for those who were early adopters of the Hormone Replacement Therapy Pre-Payment Certificate (HRT PPC) introduced last year, it's a critical renewal month.
In this blog we explore the need and benefits to renew HRT Pre-Payment Certificates for Women in England, the process for renewal and introduce new on-demand HRT help to optimise menopausal working women's wellbeing and career health.
This time last year, the very first recipients of the HRT PPC (Pre-Payment Certificate) were able to purchase for one singular amount of £19.30, a pre-payed prescription certificate, either online or in their chemist to cover the cost of their HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) prescribed to manage the symptoms of menopause. This certificate covered two types of HRT - oestrogen and progesterone prescription medication for a full twelve months.
It's essential to remember that the HRT pre-payment certificate does not auto-renew.
Data sourced from The Department of Health shows over half a million women initially purchased their HRT Pre-payment certificates and for those women it's time to renew their certificates.
But take note, fees are going up on 1 May 2024 to £19.80!
The HRT Pre-Payment Certificate covers the cost of oestrogen and progesterone for the entire year, simplifying the process of managing vital menopause medications. However, for testosterone, a separate prescription charge is still applied and it is something of a postcode lottery as to whether your GP will prescribe it as it is currently unlicensed for use for women in England on the NHS. Dr Louse Newson, founder of The Newson Clinic and The Balance App states on testosterone exclusion: 'It is disappointing to see that testosterone will not be covered by the certificate. Testosterone is recommended by NICE for symptoms of low libido when HRT alone is not helping, and in my clinic patients often say it helps with other menopausal symptoms including brain fog, energy levels and low mood.’
Fiona McKay, CEO of and founder of The Menopause Maze and renowned menopause coach says:
"In a world where support for menopause is still gaining traction, this scheme has been a beacon of hope, saving menopausal women an astounding £11 million in HRT prescription charges."
"However, from 1 May 2024, the HRT pre-payment certificate will see a small increase from £19.30 to £19.80. Despite the adjustment in price, the value and convenience it offers for women still make it a necessary subscription for women to keep well and in turn keep working."
"I'm incredibly proud of the role I played in campaigning for this scheme alongside other passionate campaigners and influencers. It's a testament of women working together, supporting one another, and effecting positive change in health outcomes for women,".
In recognition for her pioneering work in campaigning for better healthcare and HRT reforms for working women, Fiona was recognised in 2023 as one of The Women of The Year, and Winner of Menopause Champion of The Year in the International Wealth & Finance Awards.
Fiona McKay, CEO of The Menopause Maze with fellow HRT reform campaigners Dr Louise Newson, a Menopause Specialist Doctor, and Journalist, Broadcaster and Chair of The Menopause Mandate, Mariella Frost.
We encourage menopausal women taking NHS prescribed HRT and those receiving hormone replacement therapy who have previously purchased HRT Pre-Payment Prescription Certificates to renew their certificates as soon as possible - either renew your prescription online or in your local pharmacy in England.
Additionally, sharing this blog will raise awareness among peri-menopausal, menopausal and post-menopausal women, further bolstering our collective efforts in navigating the menopause maze in business and the boardroom so women can keep well, keep working, keep growing their careers and keep growing their companies so they can have full leadership lives and full, healthy futures.
We have a set of FAQ's answered signposting you to the NHS site to renew your HRT Pre-Payment Prescription Certificate. Read on below for more.
We've answered your key frequently asked HRT Pre-Payment Certificate Questions here:
If you renew your HRT PPC before the 1st May 2024, it's £19.30. If you renew it on or after 1st May 2024 it goes up by 50p to £19.80.
Yes, we found it super easy and straightforward. It took us no more than 7 minutes end to end.
Here is the link - this takes you to The NHS Business Services Authority Website which is where you apply and pay for your certificate. Scroll down and it gives you lots of information and takes you through the simple and straightforward application process. Here is the link to apply online now.
We have a brilliant bundle of HRT resources for all stages of your menopause journey. Whether you are new to HRT or looking to optimise its performance we've got you covered with on-demand help and hacks to supercharge your wellbeing and maintain and maximise your leadership performance in menopause.
The New HRT Pre-Payment Certificate Masterclass
The Top 20 HRT Secrets That Supercharge Wellbeing
The Menopause Maze HRT Retreat
The NOPAUSE Career Coaching Programme for Women Leaders
For more information email us at fmckay@themenopausemaze.com
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