What is NHS Low Income Scheme?
Medical treatment is free in the [[National Health Service]] but there are some charges and costs. The Low Income Scheme is to help with these costs. There are charges for [[Prescription|prescriptions]], [[wig]]<nowiki/>s and fabric supports (only in England), [[Dentistry in the United Kingdom|dentistry]], [[sight]] tests, glasses and contact lenses. It often costs money to travel to a hospital. People who get [[Means test|means tested]] benefits mostly are exempt from these charges. People who have to pay can get a [[certificate]]. An HC2 means they dont have to pay anything. An HC3 means they get some help. People who have more than £16,000 (£23,250 for people who live in a care home) cannot get a certificate. People who have a certificate, or are exempt from charges, can claim the cost of their travel to a hospital if they are sent there by a doctor. They normally claim at the hospital. They can get the cost of someone to come with them if they cannot travel alone. They can claim the cost of coming by car or [[taxi]] if they need one. They can claim a refund for what they paid for up to 3 months.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-09|title=Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)|url=https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/healthcare-travel-costs-scheme-htcs/|access-date=2023-01-31|website=nhs.uk|language=en}}</ref>[[Healthwatch England]] asked 2000 people in December 2022 about health costs. 10% said the increased [[cost of living]] meant they did not get their prescription. 15% did not go to the dentist. <ref>{{Cite web|last=January 2023|first=News-9|title=Cost of living: People are increasingly avoiding NHS appointments and prescriptions|url=https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/news/2023-01-09/cost-living-people-are-increasingly-avoiding-nhs-appointments-and-prescriptions|access-date=2023-01-31|website=www.healthwatch.co.uk|language=en}}</ref> == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:National Health Service]]