Lord Hunt of Kings Heath – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on 2016-02-02.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the costs to the NHS of providing treatment to students who cannot afford to pay for prescriptions and subsequently experience a deterioration in their health.

Lord Prior of Brampton

We have not made such an assessment.

Where a student has difficulty in paying for their prescriptions, they may be able to get help through the National Health Service low income scheme, which may provide exemption from the prescription charge, and help with other health costs, on the basis of a means-tested assessment. They may also be entitled through other exemptions (for example based on medical condition, maternity or though receipt of a qualifying benefit, for example, child tax credit), or, if they have to pay and need many prescription items, can purchase a Prescription Prepayment Certificate to minimise the cost.