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NHS charges
Current policy
Entitlement to help with health costs (NHS prescription and dental
charges, optical and hospital travel costs) is based on the principle
that those who can afford to contribute should do so, while those who
are likely to have difficulty in paying should be protected.
To see a list of current charges:
HC12 - Charges and optical voucher
values
Who can get help
People can get help on age or medical grounds or by being in receipt
of one of the exempting benefits or tax credits.
For more information:
HC11 - Are you entitled to help
with health costs?
Low income?
People who have to pay NHS charges may be able to get help under the NHS
Low Income Scheme. The amount of help is based on a comparison between
a person's income and requirements at the time that a claim is made or
a charge was paid.
Capital limits
No help is available if a person has capital in excess of the limit: £8,000
( £12,000 if you and / or your partner are aged 60 or more or £19,000
for people who live permanently in a residential care home or nursing
home).
How do I make a low income claim?
You need to complete form HC1 - this form cannot be downloaded from the
web. You must obtain a hard copy. Ring the Health Literature line on 0800
555 777 to get an HC1 and pre-paid return envelope. Social Security
offices and NHS hospitals should also have HC1s available. Some GPs, dentists,
opticians might also have them.
To view the HC1 claim form:
HC1 claim form
When you have filled in the HC1 you should send it to: Health
Benefits Division, Sandyford House, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1DB - in
the prepaid envelope provided.
Have to pay prescription charges?
People who have to pay prescription charges can buy a prepayment certificate,
which offers considerable savings to those who need regular prescriptions.
For more information:
Pre-payment of NHS prescription
charges
To see the HC20 "Paying NHS prescription charges?" poster:
HC20 Poster 
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