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Type 2 Prescriptions Type 2

nicki_484

nicki_484

Member
Messages
15
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
Hi,
If you are diagnosed as type 2 diabetic do you get free prescriptions?
 
Yes you do once you have been diagnosed you should be given a form to fill out and once processed you will receive a card to show each time you pick up your medications. This means any medications not just those for Diabetes.
 
nicki_484 said:
Hi,
If you are diagnosed as type 2 diabetic do you get free prescriptions?
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Only if you are prescribed medication for your diabetes, otherwise no. If you are prescribed diabetes medications you have to ask for an exemption form, and then all medication is free, whether for diabetes or other illnesses.
 
It isn't the diabetes diagnosis that permits you to have 'free' prescriptions in England (different parts of the UK have different rules).

Diabetics who are not on diabetic medications, do not get 'free' prescriptions.
Diabetics who are prescribed medication for their condition are able to submit an exemption from which will allow them to collect 'free' prescription for any medication for a 5 year period.

Once that 5 year period is expired, they will need to re-apply.

Your doc or the receptionist at your surgery will be able to give you the exemption application.
 
Thanks that's interesting. So if you are doing diet only you have to pay for the prescriptions and tabs unless you say you'll take the medication for the free prescriptions..
 
nicki_484 said:
Thanks that's interesting. So if you are doing diet only you have to pay for the prescriptions and tabs unless you say you'll take the medication for the free prescriptions..
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If you are diet only, in England you will have to pay for prescriptions for medications for other conditions. (unless you satisfy the criteria for free prescriptions on other grounds)
 
Don't forget prescriptions are free for over 60's in England no matter what chronic conditions you may have
 
nicki_484 said:
Thanks that's interesting. So if you are doing diet only you have to pay for the prescriptions and tabs unless you say you'll take the medication for the free prescriptions..
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I believe the reason for the free prescriptions for diabetes and other long term conditions is to ensure you can afford the medication for your condition. It is not a perk of diabetes.
I suspect (although can't confirm) the reason the exception covers all prescriptions is to save the administrative costs over working out which medication should be covered.
Despite these free prescriptions for me (with type 1 treated by insulin), I still pay from general over the counter medication and would refuse a prescription for something like paracetamol (which I was offered recently after surgery) as I see no reason to burden the NHS unnecessarily.
 
helensaramay said:
I believe the reason for the free prescriptions for diabetes and other long term conditions is to ensure you can afford the medication for your condition. It is not a perk of diabetes.
I suspect (although can't confirm) the reason the exception covers all prescriptions is to save the administrative costs over working out which medication should be covered.
Despite these free prescriptions for me (with type 1 treated by insulin), I still pay from general over the counter medication and would refuse a prescription for something like paracetamol (which I was offered recently after surgery) as I see no reason to burden the NHS unnecessarily.
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I agree not to burden the NHS unnecessarily especially when they are in need of funding and are struggling so much at the moment.
I was just thinking those that are diet only would have been able to get free prescriptions just for the tabs to help them be able to monitor themselves therefore not needing to go back to the doctor so much for check ups unnecessarily and to stop other complications. If they can help people have the right tools to keep well and manage their own levels that must in the end save the NHS money.
It's strange the way they make the rules.
Really? Wow I never thought paracetamol would be on a prescription as they cost pence over the counter.
 
nicki_484 said:
I was just thinking those that are diet only would have been able to get free prescriptions just for the tabs to help them be able to monitor themselves therefore not needing to go back to the doctor so much for check ups unnecessarily and to stop other complications. If they can help people have the right tools to keep well and manage their own levels that must in the end save the NHS money.
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I guess you are talking about the test strips.
Unfortunately, many people with type 2 are not given BG testing meters or prescribed BG testing strips. Unbelievably, some are discouraged from testing. I guess it is down to a short term view if saving money but I am not sure I would like to get into the mind of the people who make these decisions ... I'd hate to think what else I'd find there :eek:
That is a whole topic of its own with many threads discussing it.
 
I get free prescriptions as I take meds for my diabetes.
I do take several other meds, 6 in total each month so am glad I get them free.
If I need anything else that is cheaper then the 8.60 then I will buy it.
 
Have had free prescriptions since the age of 25 years old when under active thyroid was diognosed.. I had a card to show each time I fetched a prescription but when reached 60 was auto exempt from paying so any medication needed to control certain hormone deficiency the prescripts seem to be free
 
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