Patients in Birmingham and Solihull who claim free prescriptions are being urged to “check before you tick”.

Claiming free NHS prescriptions when you are not entitled could see you face a penalty charge of up to £100 as well as your prescription charge.

You are entitled to a free NHS prescription if you:

• Get certain benefits
• Have a valid maternity exemption certificate
• Have a valid medical exemption certificate
• Have a valid war pension exemption certificate
• Have an HC2 certificate (NHS Low Income Scheme)
• Have paid for a prescription prepayment certificate
• Are over 60
• Are under 16 (or 16-18 and in full-time education)

You can use the online eligibility checker at nhs.uk/checkbeforeyoutick to help you understand if you can tick the box for a free prescription and what proof you need to show your pharmacist.

If you are not entitled to free prescriptions, other financial help is available such as the NHS Low Income Scheme and NHS Prepayment Certificates. To find out more, visit nhs.uk/healthcosts

For more information:

• Leaflet: Are you claiming free prescriptions?
• Easy read leaflet: Are you signing for free prescriptions?