§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how the Prescription Pricing Authority monitors patient compliance with the prescription charging arrangements. [15325]
§ Ms BlearsThe Compliance Unit of the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) is responsible for carrying out a number of checks on those patients who claim exemption from prescription charges on grounds such as age, certain medical conditions, low income or receipt of certain tax credits or benefits (such as income support). Appropriate organisations are contacted to confirm entitlement to exemption. Where the patient provides additional information to confirm their entitlement, no further action is taken. However, if it is found that a patient has incorrectly claimed exemption from prescription charges, the PPA recovers the outstanding charges and may impose a penalty charge.