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NHS Low Income Scheme

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The NHS Low Income Scheme is intended to reduce the cost of NHS Prescription charges, NHS dentistry, Sight tests, Glasses and contact lenses, necessary costs of travel to receive NHS treatment, NHS wigs and fabric supports, i.e. spinal or abdominal supports or surgical brassieres supplied through a hospital. It is administered by the NHS Business Services Authority. It is not necessary to be in receipt of any benefits in order to qualify.[1]

Tax Credits

People entitled to most Means-tested benefits do not need to use the scheme as they are exempt from these charges. People who get Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit are automatically assessed and, if entitled, issued with an NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate. Tax credit beneficiaries with an income less than £15,276 (2013 figure), people who get Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit and those who get Working Tax Credit with a disability element are entitled to a certificate.

Outside England

Charges are not made for prescriptions, wigs, or fabric supports in Scotland, or Wales.

Financial assessment

The assessment of means uses similar principles to those of Income Support. Weekly income is compared to assessed requirements but includes housing costs and Council Tax which Income Support does not. There is a capital limit of £23,250 for those permanently in a care home and £16,000 for everyone else.

Certificates

The HC2 certificate for full help (which includes free NHS prescriptions), is issued if weekly income is less than or equal to requirements, or income is greater than requirements by no more than half the current English prescription charge. The HC3 certificate for partial help is issued if income is greater than requirements by more than half the current English prescription charge. This shows the payment liability for health costs.[2] It is possible to apply for a refund of charges already paid when an applicationfor a certificate is made.[3]

References

  1. ^ "NHS Low Income Scheme". Highland Council. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
  2. ^ "Help with health costs". Adviceguide. Citizens Advice. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
  3. ^ "NHS Low Income Scheme under 60s". Entitled to. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
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