3 April 2017

In 2016, NHS Vale of York clinical commissioning group (CCG) trialled a six month voucher scheme. Around 100 people were supplied with vouchers to cover the cost difference between gluten free and gluten containing staple foods in supermarkets. The pilot used paper vouchers which were restricted to certain stores, but now, a second phase of the pilot is underway.

This phase has seen the introduction of a prepaid chip and pin card which can be used in any shop or pharmacy that accepts VISA cards. We look forward to the full evaluation later this year.

In the current climate, the prepaid card is providing a solution that has the potential to deliver cost savings to the NHS, save GP time, while maintaining a level of support for people with coeliac disease.

We are sharing information about this new scheme with other CCGs as they undergo consultations to highlight that there are alternatives removing support.