The cost of HRT for menopausal women is reduced and what is the 'pink tax'?
Welcome to the bi-weekly update (#158) where we dive deeper into key topics, themes or issues specific to women and their lived experience.
From April 1, the Department of Health and Social Care announced women going through menopause will be able to save up to £205 per year, under a scheme to cut prescription costs.
The certificate will help approximately 400,000 women save hundreds of thousands pounds a year, reducing HRT (hormonal replacement therapy) costs to £20 (only).
The introduction of the certificate delivers one of their year 1 priorities for the Women’s Health Strategy for England. Menopause was announced as a priority area within the strategy.
According to the Minister for Women, Maria Caufield:
“Around three-quarters of women will experience menopause symptoms, with a quarter experiencing severe symptoms - which can seriously impact their quality of life. Reducing the cost of HRT is a huge moment for improving women’s health in this country, and I am proud to be announcing this momentous step forward..”
The ‘pink tax’ has long imposed an economic burden on women.
This applies to goods and services where women are charged more. Or where costs are imposed on women (to buy) that are not necessary for men, like tampons or indeed, a prescription to HRT.
According to the World Economic Forum, advocates have been working to lower or eliminate taxes on tampons, other feminine sanitary products as well as reduce the cost of products such as HRT.
The burden the pink tax puts on women, especially those on lower-incomes, has long been recognised. And we are finally starting to see the government take positive steps towards addressing this issue.
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