Help with health costs - NHS Business Services Authority

HC11Help withhealth costsCan you get help withthe cost of:PrescriptionsDental treatmentSight testsGlasses orcontact lensesWigs or fabric supportsfrom a hospitalTravel to receive NHStreatment under the careof a consultant?

HC11 – Help withhealth costs

IntroductionThis booklet gives guidance about NHScharging arrangements in England only.The National Health Service (NHS) is,first and foremost, for the benefit ofpeople resident in the United Kingdom(UK). If a person is accepted for NHStreatment, eligibility for exemptionfrom charges for NHS treatment isbased on the conditions described inthis booklet, not on nationality, thepayment of UK taxes nor the paymentof UK National Insurance contributions.Any patient ordinarily resident in theUK may look to the NHS for treatmentand not be liable for charges exceptwhere legislation specifically permits,and requires, a charge to be made – forexample, for prescription charges.Most NHS treatment is free, althoughthere can be charges for some things.This booklet sets out information aboutwho does not have to pay charges andalso tells you about the help you mightget with the cost of the following if youare on a low income:• NHS prescriptions• NHS dental treatment• Sight tests• Glasses and contact lenses2 HC11 – Help with health costs

When you have found the group, orgroups, you belong to and what helpyou can get, go on to page 39. This tellsyou how to get help with NHS costswhen you go for treatment.REFUNDS There is also informationabout refunds in this booklet – readpages 46-51.PENALTY CHARGES If you are found tohave made a wrongful claim for helpwith health costs, you will face penaltycharges and may be prosecuted underpowers introduced by the Health Act1999 – read page 45.CURRENT RATES The current rates ofNHS charges and optical voucher valuesin England are listed in the separateleaflet HC12.Go to page 72 to find out how to getthis leaflet.THIS LEAFLET GIVES GENERAL GUIDANCE ONLYAND SHOULD NOT BE TREATED AS A COMPLETEAND AUTHORITATIVE STATEMENT OF LAW.4 HC11 – Help with health costs

Pregnant women and those who havehad a baby in the previous12 months 30People who need lots of prescriptions 31People registered severelysight-impaired/blind orsight-impaired/partially sighted 32People who need complex lenses 32People who have lost or damagedtheir glasses or contact lenses 33People with impaired hearing 33People living in a care home 34People supported by a localauthority after leaving care 34NHS in-patients 35NHS out-patients/day patients 35People who need to travelfor NHS treatment 36NHS treatment abroad 38Isles of Scilly 38CLAIMING HELP WHEN YOUGO FOR TREATMENTNHS prescriptions 39NHS dental treatment 39Sight tests 40NHS vouchers for glasses or contactlenses 41NHS vouchers for repair or replacementof glasses or contact lenses 42Travel to receive NHS treatmentunder the care of a consultant 43NHS wigs and fabric supports 436 HC11 – Help with health costs

CHECKS OF ENTITLEMENTChecking your entitlement 44PENALTY CHARGE 45CLAIMING REFUNDSNHS prescription charges 46Prescription prepaymentcertificate fees 46Other refunds 48NHS dental charges 49Sight test fees 50Glasses or contact lens costs 50Travel costs to receive NHStreatment 51NHS wig and fabric support charges 51PROOF OF ENTITLEMENT TABLESNHS prescriptions 52NHS dental treatment 58NHS sight tests 64NHS sight tests and optical vouchers 68ORDERING FORMS AND LEAFLETS 72ADVICE LINES 74CONTENTS7

Quick check guidesNHS PRESCRIPTIONSYou can get free NHS prescriptions if atthe time the prescription is dispensedyou:• are aged 60 or over• are under 16• are aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-timeeducation• are pregnant, or have had a baby inthe previous 12 months and have avalid exemption certificate• have a listed medical condition andhave a valid exemption certificate• have a continuing physical disabilitywhich means you cannot go outwithout help from another personand have a valid exemptioncertificate• are an NHS in-patient• are getting, or your partner gets:– Income Support– Income-based Jobseeker’sAllowance (Incapacity Benefit orDisability Living Allowance do notcount, as they are not incomerelated)– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit• are entitled to, or named on, a validNHS tax credit exemption certificate• are named on a valid HC2 certificate• are a war pensioner, the prescriptionis for your accepted disablement andyou have a valid war pensionexemption certificate.8 HC11 – Help with health costs

Supplied free:• medication administered at a hospitalor an NHS Walk in Centre• prescribed contraceptives• medication personally administeredby a GP• medication supplied at a hospital orPCT clinic for the treatment of asexually transmissable infection (STI).NHS DENTAL TREATMENTYou can get free NHS dentaltreatment if:• when the treatment starts you are:• aged under 18• aged 18 in full-time education• pregnant, or have borne a childin the 12 months before treatmentstarts• an NHS in-patient and thetreatment is carried out by thehospital dentist• an NHS Hospital Dental Serviceout-patient*• a Community Dental Servicepatient.** There may be a charge fordentures and bridges.QUICK CHECK GUIDES9

• when the treatment starts or whenthe charge is made:• you are getting, or yourpartner gets:– Income Support– Income-based Jobseeker’sAllowance (Incapacity Benefitor Disability Living Allowancedo not count as they are notincome-related)– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit• you are entitled to, or named on, avalid NHS tax credit exemptioncertificate• you are named on a valid HC2certificate.Partial help: if you are named on avalid HC3 certificate you might getsome help towards the cost of yourNHS dental treatment.War pensioners – read page 26.NHS SIGHT TESTSYou can get free sights tests if you:• are under 16• are aged 16,17 or 18 in full-timeeducation• are aged 60 or over• are a diagnosed glaucoma patient• have been advised by anophthalmologist that you are at riskof glaucoma10 HC11 – Help with health costs

• are aged 40 or over and are a parent,brother, sister, son or daughter of adiagnosed glaucoma patient• have been diagnosed as diabetic• are registered as severely sightimpaired/blindor sight-impaired/partially sighted• need complex lenses• are someone whose sight test iscarried out through the hospitaleye department as part of themanagement of your eye condition• are getting, or your partner gets:– Income Support– Income-based Jobseeker’sAllowance (Incapacity Benefit orDisability Living Allowance do notcount as they are not incomerelated)– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit• are entitled to, or named on, a validNHS tax credit exemption certificate• are named on a valid HC2 certificate.Partial help: if you are named on a validHC3 certificate you might get some helptowards the cost of a private sight test.War pensioners – read page 26.NHS OPTICAL VOUCHERSYou can get vouchers towards the costsof glasses or contact lenses if you:• are under 16• are aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-timeeducation• need complex lenses – read page 32QUICK CHECK GUIDES11

• are getting, or your partner gets:– Income Support– Income-based Jobseeker’sAllowance (Incapacity Benefit orDisability Living Allowance do notcount as they are not incomerelated)– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit• are entitled to, or named on, a validNHS tax credit exemption certificate• are named on a valid HC2 certificate.Partial help: if you are named on a validHC3 certificate, you might get somehelp.NOTE: If your glasses or contact lensescost more than your voucher value, youwill have to pay the difference.War pensioners – read page 26.NHS VOUCHERS FOR REPAIROR REPLACEMENT OF GLASSESOR CONTACT LENSESYou can get vouchers if you:• are under 16 (if you are 16 or over,conditions apply – read pages 32-33).NHS TRAVEL COSTSYou can get help with necessary cost oftravel to receive NHS treatment underthe care of a consultant if you:• are a war pensioner and thetreatment is for your accepteddisablement12 HC11 – Help with health costs

• are getting, or your partner gets(and includes travel by yourdependent children):– Income Support– Income-based Jobseeker’sAllowance (Incapacity Benefit orDisability Living Allowance do notcount as they are not incomerelated)– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit• are entitled to, or named on, a validNHS tax credit exemption certificate• are named on a valid HC2 certificate.Children under 16 and young people 16and over – read pages 36-37.Partial help: if you are named on avalid HC3 certificate you might getsome help.NHS WIGS AND FABRIC SUPPORTSYou can get free wigs and fabricsupports if you:• are under 16• are aged 16, 17 or 18 in full-timeeducation• are a hospital in-patient• are a war pensioner and the wig orfabric support is for your accepteddisablement and you have a validwar pension exemption certificate• are getting or your partner gets:– Income Support– Income-based Jobseeker’sAllowance (Incapacity Benefit orQUICK CHECK GUIDES13

Disability Living Allowance don’tcount as they are not incomerelated.)– Pension Credit Guarantee Credit• are entitled to, or named on, a validNHS tax credit exemption certificate• are named on a valid HC2 certificate.Partial help: if you are named on avalid HC3 certificate you might getsome help.Age groupsCHILDREN UNDER 16 AND YOUNGPEOPLE AGED 16, 17 AND 18 INFULL-TIME EDUCATIONFull-time education means you must bereceiving full-time instruction from arecognised educational establishment,such as a school, college or university.To be a ‘recognised establishment’ theplace where you are studying must havea Department of Education and Skills(DfES) Establishment Number, and beregistered on the DfES database. If it isnot registered with the DfES, you stillmay be able to claim for help withhealth costs under the NHS Low IncomeScheme – read pages 22-25.You get free:• NHS prescriptions• NHS dental treatment for any courseof treatment that starts before your19th birthday• NHS sight tests14 HC11 – Help with health costs

• NHS wigs and fabric supports.You also get:• vouchers towards the cost ofglasses or contact lenses• if you have lost or damaged yourglasses or contact lenses –read page 33• if you need help with travel costs toand from hospital for NHS treatment– read pages 36-37.OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE NOTIN FULL-TIME EDUCATIONYou get free:• NHS dental treatment for any courseof treatment which starts before your18th birthday• if you need help with travel coststo and from the hospital for NHStreatment – read pages 36-37• if you are aged 16 or 17 and aresupported by a Local Authoritybecause you have recently left LocalAuthority care – read page 34• if you don’t have much money topay other health costs, you can stillclaim for help – read pages 22-25.AGE GROUPS15

PEOPLE AGED 60 OR OVERYou get free:• NHS prescriptions• NHS sight tests.If you need help with other healthcosts, check to see if you fit into any ofthe groups listed on pages 5–7.Income groupsPEOPLE GETTING BENEFITS OR TAXCREDITSEither you or your partner may begetting the benefit or credit.If you are waiting for your claim to besettled and need help urgently with anyhealth costs – read pages 22-25.INCOME SUPPORT (IS)You and your partner get free:• NHS prescriptions• NHS dental treatment• NHS sight tests• NHS wigs and fabric supports.You also get:• a voucher towards the cost of glassesor contact lenses• refunds of necessary travel costs toreceive NHS treatment under the careof a consultant for you, your partnerand any dependent children andyoung people under 19.16 HC11 – Help with health costs

INCOME-BASED JOB SEEKER’SALLOWANCE – JSA (IB)You and your partner are entitled tothe same things as people gettingIncome Support – read page 16.CONTRIBUTION-BASED JSA – JSA(C)IMPORTANT: On its own, JSA(C) does notentitle you to help with health costs. Ifyou have to pay health costs, check tosee if you are in any of the groupslisted on pages 5–7. You might be ableto get help if you are on a low income –read pages 22-25.If you are not sure about the type ofJSA you are getting, ask at yourJobcentre Plus office.PENSION CREDIT GUARANTEE CREDITIf you get:• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit withSavings Credit, or• If you are aged under 60 and yourpartner gets either of the above, youare entitled to the same help withhealth costs as people gettingIncome Support – see above.IMPORTANT: If you only get Pension CreditSavings Credit on its own, this does notentitle you to help with health costs. Ifyou have to pay health costs, check toINCOME GROUPS17

see if you are in any of the othergroups listed on pages 5–7. You mightbe able to get help if you are on a lowincome – read pages 22-25.How to check if you are gettingPension Credit Guarantee CreditYour payment book (if you have one) issimply marked ‘Pension Credit’. Onlyyour award notice tells you what typeof Pension Credit you get. This is shownat item 5 on the page entitled ‘Howyour Pension Credit has been workedout’. If you have not received an awardnotice, or have mislaid it, you shouldring the Pension Centre on local callrate number 0845 6060265 and ask fora copy.OTHER BENEFITSOnly IS, JSA (IB) and Pension CreditGuarantee Credit give you automatichelp with health costs.IMPORTANT: Other benefits, such asIncapacity Benefit or Disability LivingAllowance, don’t entitle you to help withhealth costs. This is because they are notincome related. If you have to pay healthcosts, check to see if you are in any of theother groups listed on pages 5–7. Youcan also get help if you are on a lowincome – read pages 22-25.18 HC11 – Help with health costs

TAX CREDITSThese are:• Working Tax Credit (WTC)• Child Tax Credit (CTC)2.1.If you meet the qualifying conditions(read paragraph 3 in this section) youwill be sent an NHS tax creditexemption certificate by thePrescription Pricing Authority (PPA) – anNHS body based in Newcastle. The PPAwill automatically send out certificatesfor the whole of the UK on behalf ofthe Health Departments in England,Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.You do not need to apply for acertificate – but read paragraph 7.If you meet the qualifying conditionsyou can get free:• NHS prescriptions• NHS dental treatment• NHS sight tests• NHS wigs and fabric supports.You also get:• vouchers towards the cost of glassesor contact lenses• refunds of necessary travel costs toreceive NHS treatment under the careof a consultant. This also applies toyour partner or any dependentchildren and young people under 19.You can also get refunds of travel costsif any of the children named on thecertificate need to go to hospital. (TheyINCOME GROUPS19

are already entitled to the other help.)3.4.To qualify for help with health costs:• your family income for tax creditsmust be £14,600* or less (this is onyour tax credit award notice issuedby the Inland Revenue) and one ofthe following applies:– you are working and have children= you get WTC and CTC, or– you are working and disabled = youget WTC with a disability element(for you) or severe disability element(this might be for you or yourpartner) – check your award notice– you are not eligible for WTC butget CTC.* The £14,600 limit applies from 6 April2004. If you are reading this after 6April 2005, you should check to see ifthis figure has been increased.If you are unsure about the amountof your income for tax credit purposes,you can check this with the InlandRevenue Tax Credit Helpline on:0845 300 3900 .5.For people with hearing or speechdifficulties, the Inland Revenue Helplinenumber is 0845 300 3909.If you have made a claim for tax creditbut not yet received your award notice,you should contact the Inland Revenueon the above number (not the PPA).20 HC11 – Help with health costs

6.7.NHS Tax Credit Exemption CertificatesThe Inland Revenue will sendinformation to the PPA each monthabout people getting tax credits who areentitled to an exemption certificate. ThePPA will send out exemption certificates.You don’t have to apply for one.If you have an award but no certificateThe PPA cannot send you an exemptioncertificate until they receive theinformation from the Inland Revenue.This could be up to six weeks after youget your tax credit award. If you meetthe conditions for help listed inparagraph 3, you can sign NHStreatment forms to say you don’t have topay because you get tax credits.Use your award notice as evidence ofyour entitlement until your certificatearrives.8.9.If you are still unsure about whether ornot you are entitled to an NHS taxcredit exemption certificate, ring thePPA on 0845 609 9299, and have yourtax credit award notice ready so youcan tell the PPA what is on it.If you lose your Tax Credit ExemptionCertificateTell the PPA by writing to the:Exemption Issue Office, PO Box 1011,Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE99 2ZP, and letthem know what happened. They willsend you a duplicate.INCOME GROUPS21

10.If you do not qualify for help throughTax Credit ExemptionIf you do not meet the conditions inparagraph 3, you may be able to claimhelp through the NHS Low IncomeScheme – read pages 22-25.11.Ring the Inland Revenue Tax CreditHelpline (the telephone number is inparagraph 4) for advice about otherhelp, as well as help with health costs)that might be available through taxcredits.THE NHS LOW INCOME SCHEMEIf you have to pay for any of the itemslisted on pages 2–3 of this leaflet, andare on a low income (for example, onincapacity benefit only), the NHS LowIncome Scheme may be able to helpyou with health costs. (But if you havecapital which is over the capital limits asshown on claim form HC1, you cannotclaim any help through this scheme.)If you have a partner, their property,savings and any other money is countedwith yours.If you would like to find out if thescheme can help you, pick up an HC1form (claim for help with health costs)from a Jobcentre Plus office or NHShospital. Your dentist or optician mayhave copies too, or ring 08701 555 455for one.22 HC11 – Help with health costs

You can fill in a special short claim form,the HC1(SC) if either of the followingapplies to you:• you live permanently in a care homeand the local authority helps youwith the cost• you are supported by the localauthority because you are aged16 or 17 and recently left localauthority care.Ask your home manager/localauthority/care worker for an HC1(SC)claim form. Otherwise, use the normalform, the HC1.If you are aged 16 or over, you canmake your own claim on an HC1, butyou needn’t do this if you count as adependant of someone who is gettingany of the eligible benefits or creditslisted on pages 17–23.If a dependent child under 16 has to goto hospital for NHS treatment, you canclaim help with their travel costs. Anyhelp will be based on the parent’sincome, not the child’s.Fill in the HC1 or HC1(SC) and send itoff in the envelope that comes with it.The claim form tells you what to doand may ask you to send in evidenceof your income.INCOME GROUPS23

If you have any queries about how tofill in these forms, or what to send,you can call Patients Services (PS) of thePrescription Pricing Authority on0845 850 1166, or write to:Patient Services,Sandyford House,Newcastle-upon-TyneNE2 1DBAfter you have sent off the claim form,PS use the information you havesupplied to work out how much helpyou might get towards your health costs.To work out your low incomeentitlement, your income will becompared with your ‘requirements’(equivalent to income supportapplicable amounts), which includea personal allowance, premiums,plus housing costs and council taxyou have to pay. Your requirementsmay include a disability premium(for qualifying people) from 28 weeksafter you are unable to work. The HC1tells you more about this and explainswhat counts as income.NHS Low Income Scheme CertificatesIf you qualify for help you will be sentan NHS certificate HC2 for full help oran NHS certificate HC3 for partial helpwith health costs. The certificate willtell you who it covers and how longit lasts.24 HC11 – Help with health costs

People seeking asylum and who aresupported by the National AsylumSupport Services (NASS) will be sent anNHS charges certificate (HC2) for fullhelp with their first support payments –also read pages 26-27.IMPORTANT: An HC2 certificate does notentitle you to NHS treatment. An HC2entitles you to full help with healthcosts if you have been accepted for NHStreatment.If you need help urgently with anyhealth costs before IS, JSA (IB), PensionCredit or tax credits are awarded, makea separate claim on an HC1. Don’t waitfor your benefit or credit claim to besettled. But if you have a tax creditaward notice, read pages 19-22 to see ifyou can get help without making a lowincome claim.If you don’t want to delay your NHStreatment or repair/replacement ofglasses (but read page 33 first) or needemergency NHS dental treatment, youmay need to pay and claim a refundlater.If you want to claim a refund of anyhealth cost – read pages 46-51.INCOME GROUPS25

Other groupsWAR PENSIONERSYou get free NHS prescriptions and NHSwigs and fabric supports at the point oftreatment if the treatment is for youraccepted disablement and you have avalid war pension exemption certificate.You can claim money back for dentaltreatment, travel costs, sight tests,glasses or contact lenses if thetreatment, or the reason for travel, isfor your accepted disablement.Write to: The Treatment Group,Veterans Agency, Norcross, BlackpoolFY5 3WP. You can get a pre-paidaddressed envelope from Post Offices.Otherwise, check if you are in any ofthe groups listed on pages 5–7.PEOPLE FROM ABROADPeople who come from abroad and areaccepted as ordinarily resident in theUK (including asylum seekers givenleave to remain in the UK and peopleaccepted as coming to work or study inthe UK), and who are accepted for NHStreatment, may claim help with healthcosts in the same way as otherresidents.26 HC11 – Help with health costs

If you are accepted for NHS treatment,first check to see if you are in oneof the groups listed on pages 5–7.Otherwise, you can make a claimunder the NHS Low Income Scheme– read pages 22–25.People seeking asylum and who aresupported by the National AsylumSupport Services (NASS) will be sent anNHS charges certificate (HC2) for fullhelp with their first support payments.Information for health staff, serviceplanners and agencies providing adviceto asylum seekers is in Caring fordispersed asylum seekers – A resourcepack, a copy of which is available todownload from the Department ofHealth’s website, at www.dh.gov.ukPlease use the advanced search facilityto look for the title.PEOPLE WITH A SPECIFIED MEDICALCONDITIONYou can get free:• NHS prescriptions if you have a validmedical exemption certificatebecause you have:– a permanent fistula (for example,caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomyor ileostomy) requiringcontinuous surgical dressing orrequiring an applianceOTHER GROUPS27

– a form of hypoadrenalism (forexample, Addison’s Disease) forwhich specific substitution therapyis essential– diabetes insipidus and other formsof hypopituitarism– diabetes mellitus, except wheretreatment is by diet alone– hypoparathyroidism– myasthenia gravis– myxoedema– epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsivetherapy– you have a continuing physicaldisability which means you cannotgo out without the help ofanother person.NOTE: We ask doctors to advise youabout free prescriptions, but it is up toyou to find out if you are entitled ornot. Only the conditions listed count. Ifyou are unsure about the name of yourcondition, check with your doctor.You can also get free:• NHS prescriptions for the treatmentof a sexually transmissible infection(STI) when the medication is suppliedat a hospital or Primary Care Trust(PCT) clinic.• NHS sight test if you:– are a diagnosed glaucoma patient– are aged 40 or over and are theparent, brother, sister, son ordaughter of a person withdiagnosed glaucoma28 HC11 – Help with health costs

– have been advised by anophthalmologist that you areat risk of glaucoma– are a diagnosed diabetic.NOTE: the medication to treat theSTI is only free if it is supplied by thehospital or PCT clinic. You will haveto pay charges in the normal way ifthe hospital or clinic gives you aprescription form to take to your ‘highstreet’ pharmacy, even if the medicationis for an STI. You will also have to paycharges in the normal way for anyother medication supplied by thehospital or clinic.Getting your medical exemptioncertificate/cardBefore 30 September 2002 the cardswere issued by the Health Authorities;since 1 October 2002 they are issued bythe Prescription Pricing Authority.To apply for a medical exemption(Medex) card, ask your doctor for FormFP92A. The form tells you what to do.Your GP, hospital or service doctor (or atthe GP’s discretion a member of theGP’s practice who can access yourmedical records) will sign the form toconfirm your statement.OTHER GROUPS29

The card will start from the first day ofthe month that the Prescription PricingAuthority (PPA) receives the applicationform. Your exemption card will beposted to you.Medical exemption cards normally lastfor five years and then need to berenewed. You may receive a reminderthat your card needs to be renewed,but if not, it is your responsibility toensure that it is renewed.PREGNANT WOMEN AND THOSE WHOHAVE HAD A BABY IN THE PREVIOUS12 MONTHSYou get free:• NHS prescriptions – but only if youhave a valid maternity exemptioncertificate/card issued by thePrescription Pricing Authority• NHS dental treatment if, whenyou are accepted for a course oftreatment, you are pregnant orhave borne a child in the previous12 months.To apply for your maternity exemptioncard ask your doctor, midwife or healthvisitor for Form FW8. The form tells youwhat to do. Your doctor, midwife orhealth visitor will sign the form toconfirm your statement.30 HC11 – Help with health costs

Your exemption card will last until 12months after the expected date ofbirth. If your baby is born early, you cancontinue to use your exemption carduntil it expires. If your baby is born late,you can apply for an extension. If youapply after your baby is born, yourexemption card will run for 12 monthsfrom your baby’s birth.PEOPLE WHO NEED LOTS OFPRESCRIPTIONS BUT HAVE TO PAYCHARGES: PRESCRIPTION PREPAYMENTCERTIFICATES (PPC)If you are not entitled to freeprescriptions and you think you willhave to pay for more than 5 itemsin 4 months or 14 items in 12 months,you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.Phone 0845 850 0030 to find out thecost of a PPC. You can also pay by creditor debit card by ringing this number.You can also buy on-line via the PPAwebsite at www.ppa.org.ukFor payment by cheque or postal order,get Form FP95 from your pharmacy –the form tells you what to do.OTHER GROUPS31

Or find the form at: www.dh.gov.ukand use the advanced search forPrepayment of NHS PrescriptionCharges. For other enquiries aboutapplications for PPCs, or to report lostor stolen PPCs, please ring 0845 6018076.PPC start dateThe PPC will start from the date yourapplication is received unless you askfor a different start date. This can beup to one month before or one monthlater than the date your applicationis received.PEOPLE REGISTERED SEVERELYSIGHT-IMPAIRED/BLIND OR SIGHT-IMPAIRED/PARTIALLY SIGHTEDYou get free NHS sight tests. If youneed help with other health costs,check if you are in one of the groupslisted on pages 5–7.PEOPLE WHO NEED COMPLEX LENSESYou get free NHS sight tests if you’represcribed complex or powerful glasseswith at least one lens which:• has a power in any one meridian ofplus or minus 10 or more dioptres; or• is a prism-controlled biofocal lens.You also get a voucher towards thecost of glasses.32 HC11 – Help with health costs

PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOST ORDAMAGED THEIR GLASSESOR CONTACT LENSESIf you are under 16, you get avoucher towards the cost of repairor replacement.If you are 16 or over, you may beentitled to a voucher towards the costof repair or replacement if your PCTagrees that:• the loss or damage was due to illness• you can’t get any help through awarranty, insurance or after salesservice• you would be entitled to an NHSvoucher for glasses or contactlenses – read pages 11-12.PEOPLE WITH IMPAIRED HEARINGYou can get free, on loan, NHS hearingaids. The aids will be supplied withbatteries (and replacements) and fitted,serviced and maintained free of charge.If you want more information, pleaseask your GP.OTHER GROUPS33

PEOPLE LIVING IN A CARE HOMEThese were previously called residentialcare homes or nursing homes. Livingin care home does not automaticallyentitle you to help.• if you are under 60 and gettingIncome Support – read page 16• if you are 60 or over and gettingPension Credit Guarantee Credit– read pages 17-18• if the local Authority helps you withall or part of the cost – read pages22-25.• otherwise, check to see if you are inany of the other groups listed onpages 5–7 or check to see if you canget help via the NHS Low IncomeScheme – read pages 22-25.PEOPLE SUPPORTED BY A LOCALAUTHORITY AFTER LEAVING CARE –CARE LEAVERSIf you are aged 16 or 17 and supportedby a local authority because yourecently left local authority care, youare entitled to full help with healthcosts through the NHS Low IncomeScheme – read pages 22-25.If you are not supported by a localauthority and you are not gettingIncome Support or Income-basedJobseeker’s Allowance or Child TaxCredit, you may still be able to get helpthrough the Low Income Scheme. Alsocheck if you are in any of the groups34 HC11 – Help with health costs

on pages 5–7.NHS IN-PATIENTSYou get free:• all NHS treatment,• NHS wigs and fabric supportssupplied while in hospital• glasses or contact lenses suppliedthrough the hospital eye department(but you must choose the cheapestframe available). If you choose amore expensive one (except formedical reasons), you will have topay the difference• medication given to you while youare still an in-patient to take homewith you when you leave hospital.NOTE: If you ask a dentist or optician tovisit you in hospital, you will have topay the cost in the normal way, as ifyou were being treated at theirpractice. Read pages 5–7 to see if youare in a group that can get free NHSdental treatment, a free NHS sight testor vouchers towards your glasses.NHS OUT-PATIENTS/DAY PATIENTSYou get free:• all medication given to takewhile you’re being treated at thehospital. But you pay a prescriptioncharge(s) for any medication youare prescribed to take at home,OTHER GROUPS35

unless you’re entitled to freeNHS prescriptions• medication supplied at a hospitalto treat an STI• NHS dental treatment carried out atthe hospital (but there may be acharge for dentures and bridgesunless you are entitled to free NHSdental treatment)• sight tests. If your consultant refersyou to an optometrist for a sighttest as part of the management ofyour eye condition while you arestill a patient of the hospital eyedepartment, that sight test is free.If your consultant decides that forclinical reasons you need frequentchanges of glasses or contact lenses,you will only have to pay for the firstpair. You may also get help towardsthe first pair if you are in one of thegroups entitled to a voucher – readpage 12.PEOPLE WHO NEED TO TRAVEL TORECEIVE NHS TREATMENTYou may be entitled to help with yourtravelling costs if:• you attend a hospital, or other place,to receive NHS treatment under thecare of a consultant. This includestests and check-ups and visits fortreatment of STIs36 HC11 – Help with health costs

• you travel by the cheapest meansof transport which it is reasonablefor you to use• in the opinion of your doctor, youneed someone to travel with you,your companion’s travel costs areadded to your travel costs and it’syour income that counts• you are getting benefits orcredits – read pages 16-22• you have a low income – readpages 22-25• you are 16 or over but under 19and are counted as a dependantof someone getting any of thebenefits/credits on pages 16-22, youget help via that benefit credit• you are 16 and over and not adependant of a person who getsbenefits/credits, you can make yourown claim, even if you live withyour parents – read pages 22-25• the patient is a child under 16; itis their parent’s income that counts.If someone else takes them tohospital, it is still the parents’income that counts.If you are not sure what travel costs youcan get help with, ask the hospitalbefore you travel. For more informationgo to: www.dh.gov.uk and use theadvanced search facility to look upNHS travel costs.OTHER GROUPS37

NHS TREATMENT ABROADYou may be able to get help with thecost of travel from your home to theinternational rail terminal, port orairport where you leave Great Britain.The arrangements are the same as if youwere travelling from home to receiveNHS treatment under the care of aconsultant – read pages 36-37.Regardless of your income, you can gethelp with the cost of return travel fromthe point where you leave GB to whereyou are going to be treated. Yourmethod of travel (e.g. air or rail) andthe cost must be agreed before youtravel by the person arranging yourtreatment. If the person arranging yourtreatment considers that you needsomeone to travel with you, ask themabout help with your companion’stravel costs.OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTSThe Isles of ScillyYou get help with the cost of travel to amainland hospital for NHS treatment.Leaflet HC12 tells you how much this is.See your health centre before youtravel.There is a set maximum you have to payunless you get free travel, or help withthe costs. Leaflet HC12 tells you howmuch this is.38 HC11 – Help with health costs

Claiming help whenyou go for treatmentNHS PRESCRIPTIONSPeople who don’t have to pay shouldfill in the back of their prescriptionform. Put a cross in the first box inPart 1 that applies to you and completeand sign Part 3 on the back of theprescription form. If someone else(your representative) goes to get yourprescription, they should completethe back of the prescription form. Oryou can do this before you give themthe prescription form. You, or yourrepresentative, may be asked to showproof of your entitlement to freeprescriptions – check the tables onpages 52-57 for more informationabout this.NHS DENTAL TREATMENTTell the dentist you want NHStreatment when you make theappointment. Sign the form you aregiven when you go for treatment.If you don’t have to pay, put a crossin the appropriate box. If you havea valid HC2 certificate, write in thecertificate number.CLAIMING HELP WHEN YOU GO FOR TREATMENT39

If you have a valid HC3 certificate,write in the certificate number and themaximum your certificate says you canpay. You will pay either what appearson the certificate, the actual charge orthe maximum charge, whichever is theleast. See leaflet HC12 for details ofcharges.If your circumstances change before youare asked to pay, read page 9 to see ifyou are entitled to free NHS dentaltreatment. You may be asked to showproof of your entitlement to help withdental costs – check the tables on pages58-63 for more information about this.SIGHT TESTSWhen you go for your sight test, tellthe optician if you are entitled to afree NHS sight test and ask for FormGOS1 to apply for it.• If you have a valid HC2 certificatefor full help, you must show it toyour optician.• If you are severely sight-impaired/blind or sight-impaired/partiallysighted, the name and addressof the Local Authority whereyou’re registered has to be puton Form GOS1.40 HC11 – Help with health costs

• If you have diabetes or glaucoma,or have been advised by anophthalmologist that you are atrisk of glaucoma, the name andaddress of your doctor has to beput on form GOS1.• If you already need a complexlens, show the optician your lastprescription or the glasses youare wearing.The optician will give you Form GOS2showing the results of your sight test.If you have a valid HC3 Certificate,show it to the optician and ask if youare entitled to any help with the costof your private sight test. You applyfor this help on Form GOS5.NHS VOUCHERS FOR GLASSES ORCONTACT LENSES• There is more information aboutusing vouchers on the back of yourGOS2 form.• Ask for a GOS3 voucher form whenyou have your sight test, or whenyou order your glasses or contactlenses. A GOS3 voucher form is validfor two years, but you can only use itif you are still entitled to a voucherfor glasses or contact lenses whenyou order them.CLAIMING HELP WHEN YOU GO FOR TREATMENT41

• The optician will ask you to fill inand sign GOS3 when you order yourlenses or glasses to say why youare entitled to the voucher and toconfirm that you have received yourglasses or contact lenses. Show theoptician proof of your entitlementto use a voucher.• If you have a valid HC3 certificate,you can ask for a GOS3 voucher form.Show your HC3 to the optician whenyou order glasses or contact lensesand ask if you can get any helptowards the cost. Your vouchervalue will be reduced by the amountshown on your HC3.You may be asked to show proof ofyour entitlement to a free sight test oroptical voucher. Check the tables onpages 64-71.NHS VOUCHERS FOR REPAIROR REPLACEMENT OF GLASSESOR CONTACT LENSESAsk your optician for Form GOS4 – ittells you what to do.42 HC11 – Help with health costs

TRAVEL TO RECEIVE NHS TREATMENTUNDER THE CARE OF A CONSULTANTWhen you go for treatment, tell thehospital (or place where you are beingtreated) that you want to claim backthe cost of your journey. You willbe asked to show proof of yourentitlement, such as your benefit book,your tax credit exemption certificateor your HC2 certificate. Also keep anytickets or receipts you have as proofof the cost.If you have a valid HC3 certificate andyour journeys cost more in total in anyone week than your certificate says youhave to pay, show the HC3 certificate atthe hospital and ask if you are entitledto any money back.NHS WIGS AND FABRIC SUPPORTSTell the person who fits your wig orfabric support that you are entitled toto it free, and show proof of yourentitlement or war pension exemptioncertificate.If you have a valid HC3 certificate, showit to the person who fits your wig orfabric support and ask if you areentitled to any help with the charge.For each item, the most you will paywill be the amount on the certificate orthe actual cost – whichever is the least.CLAIMING HELP WHEN YOU GO FOR TREATMENT43

Checks of entitlementIf you are claiming free treatment, oryou are using an optical voucher, youshould show proof of why you don’thave to pay or why you can use avoucher. For example, your benefitbook, birth certificate or NHSexemption certificate. For moreinformation about this – read thetables on pages 52-71.If you cannot show proof, you will haveto sign to say why you don’t have topay (or can have an optical voucher)and you will get your NHS treatmentfree, or be able to use your opticalvoucher. But your treatment form willbe marked as ‘no evidence seen’ so yourentitlement can be checked later. Youwon’t be able to get partial help unlessyou show your HC3.CHECKING YOUR ENTITLEMENTChecks will be made as follows:• Free prescriptions. The checks will bemade by the NHS Counter Fraud andSecurity Management Service.• Full or partial help with NHS dentaltreatment. The checks will be madeby the Dental Practice Board.• Free NHS sight tests and voucherstowards the cost of glasses or contactlenses. The checks will be made byyour local Primary Care Trust (PCT).44 HC11 – Help with health costs

The penalty chargeAny patient found to have wronglyclaimed help with health costs willnow face penalty charges and, in somecases, prosecution under new powersintroduced by the Health Act 1999.The penalty charge is a civil fine andmay be imposed where a patient isfound to have wrongly claimed totalor partial help with health costs. Thepenalty charge is five times the amountowed, up to a maximum of £100. Thisis in addition to the original charge.Payment will be pursued by civilrecovery if necessary.For further information about penaltycharges pick up leaflet HC81(Pen)The Penalty Charge Explained fromyour doctor, pharmacy or dentist.Or ring 08701 555 455 to order a copy.Or go to www.cfsms.nhs.uk, clickon ‘Documents’ and go to ‘PenaltyCharge Guidance’. Or ring 0845 8501166 for advice.CHECKS OF ENTITLEMENT45

Claiming refundsNHS PRESCRIPTION CHARGESAsk your pharmacist, hospital or doctorfor an NHS receipt form FP57 when youpay – you can’t get one later. Thereceipt form tells you what to do. Youhave to apply for a refund within 3months of paying the prescriptioncharge.PRESCRIPTION PREPAYMENTCERTIFICATE (PPC) FEESFull refundsYou can only get a full refund if, withinthe first month of a 4- or 12-monthPPC, any of the following happens:• you become entitled to freeprescriptions and, if applicable,you have a valid NHS exemptioncertificate• you go into hospital and remainthere until the expiry of theprepayment certificate• the PPC holder dies, or goes intohospital and dies there before thecertificate runs out.46 HC11 – Help with health costs

Proportional refunds:4- and 12-month PPCsThe patient’s estate can get aproportional refund if, after thefirst month of a 4- or 12-month PPCstart date:• the PPC holder dies; or• goes into hospital and dies therebefore the certificate runs out.The fee will be refunded proportionallyin respect of complete monthsunexpired. For example, a 12-monthPPC starts in June, the holder dies inJanuary, refund for February to Mayof 4/12 of the fee paid.Partial refunds: 12-month PPCsYou can get a partial refund for12-month PPCs only if, in months2–4 of the PPC start date, any of thefollowing happens:• you become entitled to freeprescriptions; and if applicable,you have a valid NHS exemptioncertificate• you go into hospital andremain there until the expiry ofthe certificate.You will be refunded the cost ofthe 12-month PPC less the cost of a4-month PPC.CLAIMING REFUNDS47

Making the claimIf you wish to claim a refund for anyof the reasons listed, send the originalcertificate to the Prescription PricingAuthority, Patient Services, PO Box 845,Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE99 2DE, tellingthem the reason why you want to claima refund.Time limits for making PPC refundclaimsYou must make your claim for a refundso it is received within the followingtime limits:• Following the death of the PPCholder – claim within 24 monthsof death.• If you become entitled tofree prescriptions:– 4-month PPC holders: claim mustbe received within four monthsof the start of the PPC;– 12-month PPC holders: claim mustbe received within seven monthsof the start of the PPC.• You go into hospital and remainthere until the certificate expires:claim must be received within threemonths of the PPC expiry date.OTHER REFUNDSYou will need a receipt which showsyou have paid for NHS treatment (seefollowing paragraphs for details). Forincome-based claims, use Form HC548 HC11 – Help with health costs

available from Jobcentre Plus offices orNHS hospitals. Your dentist or opticianmay have one or ring 08701 555 455to get one. The HC5 tells you what todo. You will need to write a letter(enclosing your receipt) to apply for arefund for other reasons, see below.You have to claim a refund within threemonths of paying the health cost.NHS DENTAL CHARGESAsk your dentist for NHS receipt formFP64 or a receipt which shows theamount of the NHS charge and the dateyou paid.If you are claiming on the groundsof low income, complete Form HC5.Your claim will go to the Dental PracticeBoard who will check that you receivedNHS treatment and paid the chargeclaimed before sending out payment.If you want to claim a refund foranother reason, for example, becauseyou are pregnant, you will need toexplain why you are claiming a refund.Enclose your receipt and make sure youinclude your full name and the addressof your dentist, and write to:Dental Practice Board, Compton PlaceRoad, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN208AD.CLAIMING REFUNDS49

SIGHT TEST FEESAsk the person who tests your sight fora receipt that shows that you paid forthe test and the date of payment.Complete an HC5 refund claim form,making sure you put the date of yoursight test on it. The HC5 tells you whatto do next.GLASSES OR CONTACT LENS COSTSIf you have already used a vouchertowards the cost of your glasses orlenses, you cannot get a refund unless itwas only a ‘complex lens’ voucher. Norcan you claim a refund of the differencebetween the voucher value and theactual cost of your glasses or lenses,even if they cost more than the vouchervalue.If you want to claim a refund, ask theperson who supplies your glasses orcontact lenses for a receipt whichshows how much you paid and the dateof payment. Complete an HC5 refundform and make sure you enclose youroptical prescription and your receiptwith your HC5 when you send it off.The form tells you what to do. Themaximum refund you can get back willbe the voucher value which matchesyour prescription.50 HC11 – Help with health costs

Lost or damaged glassesor contact lensesIf your glasses or contact lenses havebeen lost or damaged and you pay forreplacement or repairs, you will onlybe considered for a refund if you areentitled to a voucher. But, your PrimaryCare Trust has to agree that the loss ordamage was due to illness beforepayment can be made – read page 33.TRAVEL COSTS TO RECEIVENHS TREATMENTIf you receive NHS treatment under thecare of a consultant, usually an NHShospital will give you your refund whenyou go for treatment. If this is notpossible, ask the hospital for an HC5refund claim form – the form tells youwhat to do. If you receive NHS treatmentunder the care of a consultant otherthan at an NHS hospital, ask for formHC5 when you go for treatment.NHS WIGS AND FABRIC SUPPORTSCHARGESAsk the hospital for a receipt thatshows that you have paid an NHScharge, and complete an HC5 refundclaim form. The form tells you what do.CLAIMING REFUNDS51

Where and how to get proofNHS medical cards are sent to you when you arefirst registered as a patient with a GP. If you needa card, contact your local Primary Care Trust.NOTE: Some Primary Care Trusts no longer issueNHS medical cards; in this case use one of theother documents mentioned.The Child Benefit Centre. 0845 302 1444.Your school, college, university or local educationauthority can give you proof that you are inqualifying full-time education (see page 14).FREE NHS PRESCRIPTIONS53

Free NHS prescriptions – continuedYou can get freeprescriptions if you are:The proof youneed to havePregnant or have bornea child in the previous12 months and arenamed on a validmaternity exemptioncertificate or cardNamed on a validmedical exemptioncertificate or cardbecause you have alisted medical conditionAre a war pensioner,the prescription isfor your accepteddisablement, andyou are named ona valid war pensionexemption certificateNamed on avalid prescriptionprepayment certificateA maternityexemption certificateor card (Matex).A medical exemptioncertificate orcard (Medex).A war pensionexemption certificate.A prescriptionprepaymentcertificate.54 HC11 – Help with health costs

Where and how to get proofAsk your GP, midwife or health visitor for an FW8application form. The form tells you what to do. Acertificate/card will be sent to you upon receipt ofa properly completed application form.Ask your GP or NHS hospital for an FP92Aapplication form. The form tells you what to do. Acertificate/card will be sent to you upon receiptof a properly completed application form.Write to: The Veterans Agency,Norcross, Blackpool FY5 3WP.Phone 0845 850 0030 (8am to 6pm)to pay by credit or debit card. For payments bycheque get an application form (FP95) from yourpharmacy. The FP95 tells you what to do.Or buy online via www.ppa.org.uk.FREE NHS PRESCRIPTIONS55

Free NHS prescriptions – continuedYou can get freeprescriptions if you are:The proof youneed to haveGetting IncomeSupport, or yourpartner is gettingthis benefitGetting Income-basedJobseeker’s Allowance,or your partner isgetting this benefitGetting Pension CreditGuarantee Credit, oryour partner is gettingthis benefitGetting tax credits andmeeting the qualifyingconditions. Or yourpartner receives taxcredits and meets thequalifying conditionsNamed on a valid HC2certificateYour Income Supportorder book, or anentitlement letterfrom your JobcentrePlus office.An entitlement letterfrom your JobcentrePlus office.Your award notice fromthe Pension Centre.A valid NHS tax creditexemption certificate,or you can use yourtax credit award notice.An NHS certificate HC2for full help withhealth costs.56 HC11 – Help with health costs

Where and how to get proofYou have to claim the benefit at your JobcentrePlus office (the address will be in your localtelephone book). Incapacity Benefit or DisabilityLiving Allowance do not count as they are notincome related.If payments are made into your bank or buildingsociety, you can obtain proof in the form of anentitlement letter from your Jobcentre Plus office.If you have lost or mislaid your Pension Centreaward notice, contact the Pension Centre phoneline on 0845 606 0265.If you are eligible for free prescriptions, yourexemption certificate will be sent to you. Ifyou haven’t yet received your certificate, useyour award notice.Make a claim using Form HC1, obtainable fromyour Jobcentre Plus office or by calling 0845 8501166 or 08701 555 455. You may also be ableto get an HC1 from your local hospital, dentist,optician or doctor.FREE NHS PRESCRIPTIONS57

FREE NHS DENTAL TREATMENTProof of entitlementYou can get free dentaltreatment if, whenthe treatment starts,you are:The proof you needto haveUnder 18 years oldAny official documentshowing your nameand date of birth, suchas a birth certificate,NHS medical card orpassport.Aged 18 infull-time educationA current ChildBenefit award notice.You can show proof ofyour date of birth, suchas a birth certificateor passport and proofthat you are a full-timestudent.Pregnant or have bornea child in the previous12 monthsMatB1 certificateor NHS prescriptionmaternity exemptioncertificate or card(Matex) or notificationof birth form, birthcertificate or stillbirthcertificate.58 HC11 – Help with health costs

Where and how to get proofNHS medical cards are given out when you arefirst registered as a patient with a GP. If you needa card, contact your local Primary Care Trust.NOTE: Some Primary Care Trusts no longer issueNHS medical cards; in this case use one of theother documents mentioned.The Child Benefit Centre. 0845 302 1444.Your school, college, university or local educationauthority can give you proof that you are inqualifying full-time education (see page 14).MatB1 certificates are issued by your GP orregistered midwife.You can use your prescription maternityexemption certificate or card (Matex) as proof.To get one ask your GP, midwife or health visitorfor an FW8 application form. The form tells youwhat to do.The midwife who delivers your baby will giveyou a notification of birth form.Birth certificates and stillbirth certificates areissued by your local registrar of births,marriages and deaths.FREE NHS DENTAL TREATMENT59

Free NHS dental treatment – continuedYou can get free dentaltreatment if, when thetreatment starts, orwhen the charge ismade, you are:The proof you needto haveGetting IncomeSupport, or yourpartner is gettingthis benefitGetting Income-basedJobseeker’s Allowance,or your partner isgetting this benefitGetting Pension CreditGuarantee Credit, oryour partner is gettingthis benefitYour Income Supportorder book, or anentitlement letterfrom your JobcentrePlus office.An entitlement letterfrom your JobcentrePlus office.Your award notice fromthe Pension Centre.Getting tax credits andmeeting the qualifyingconditions. Or yourpartner receives taxcredits and meets thequalifying conditionsA valid NHS tax creditexemption certificate,or you can use your taxcredit award notice.60 HC11 – Help with health costs

Where and how to get proofYou have to claim the benefit at your JobcentrePlus office (the address will be in your localtelephone book). Incapacity Benefit or DisabilityLiving Allowance do not count as they are notincome-related.If payments are made into your bank or buildingsociety, you can obtain proof in the form of anentitlement letter from your Jobcentre Plus office.If you have lost or mislaid your Pension Centreaward notice, contact the Pension Centre phoneline on 0845 606 0265.If you are eligible for free treatment, yourexemption certificate will be sent to you. If youhaven’t yet received your certificate, use youraward notice.61

Free NHS dental treatment – continuedYou can get free dentaltreatment if, when thetreatment starts, orwhen the charge ismade, you are:The proof you needto haveNamed on a validHC2 certificateNamed on a validHC3 certificateAn NHS certificateHC2 for full helpwith health costs.The cost may bereduced if you arenamed on an NHScertificate HC3 forpartial help withhealth costs.62 HC11 – Help with health costs

Where and how to get proofMake a claim using form HC1, obtainable fromyour Jobcentre Plus office or by calling 0845 8501166 or 08701 555 455. You may also be able toget an HC1 from your local hospital, dentist,optician or doctor.FREE NHS DENTAL TREATMENT63

FREE NHS SIGHT TESTSProof of entitlementYou can get a free NHSsight test if you are:The proof youneed to haveAged 60 or overAny official documentshowing your nameand date of birth, suchas a birth certificate,NHS medical card,passport, travelconcession card,driving licence,state retirementpension book.Aged 40 and overand are the parent,brother, sister, or sonor daughter of aperson with glaucomaAn official documentto prove your date ofbirth – see above.Registered severelysight-impaired/blindor sight-impaired/partially sightedCertificate ofregistration as severelysight-impaired/blindor sight-impaired/partially sighted.64 HC11 – Help with health costs

Where and how to get proofNHS medical cards are sent to you when you arefirst registered as a patient with a GP. If you needa card, contact your local Primary Care Trust.NOTE: Some Primary Care Trusts no longer issueNHS medical cards; in this case use one of theother documents mentioned.NHS medical card – see above.Contact your local authority.FREE NHS SIGHT TESTS65

Free NHS sight tests – continuedYou can get a free NHSsight test if you are:The proof youneed to haveSuffering from diabetesSuffering fromglaucomaRepeat prescriptionscard, out-patientsappointment card,record of bloodsugar readings.Statement that you area glaucoma sufferer.Considered to beat risk of glaucomaStatement thatyou are at risk ofdeveloping glaucoma.In need ofcomplex lensesTake your existingglasses or existingoptical prescription66 HC11 – Help with health costs

Where and how to get proofYour GP, or your hospital diabetic or eye clinic.Your repeat prescription or outpatient cardshould show you are attending a diabetic clinicon a regular basis.Your GP, or your hospital eye clinic.Your GP, or your hospital eye clinic.If you don’t already have complex lenses,your optician will advise if you are eligibleFREE NHS SIGHT TESTS67

FREE NHS SIGHT TESTS ANDOPTICAL VOUCHERSProof of entitlementYou can get a free NHSsight test and an opticalvoucher if you are:The proof youneed to haveAged under 16Show your NHS medicalcard, current ChildBenefit award notice,pension book, passport,birth certificate.Aged 16, 17 or 18in full-time educationA current ChildBenefit award notice oryou can show proofof your date of birth,such as your birthcertificate or passport,and proof that you area full-time student.68 HC11 – Help with health costs

Where and how to get proofNHS medical cards are sent to you when you arefirst registered as a patient with a GP. If you needa card, contact your local Primary Care Trust.NOTE: Some Primary Care Trusts no longer issueNHS medical cards; in this case use one of theother documents mentioned.The Child Benefit Centre. 0845 302 1444.Your school, college, university or your localeducation authority can give you proof thatyou are in qualifying full-time education(see page 14).FREE NHS SIGHT TESTS AND OPTICAL VOUCHERS69

Free NHS sight tests and optical vouchers – continuedYou can get a free NHSsight test and an opticalvoucher if you are:The proof youneed to haveGetting IncomeSupport, or yourpartner is gettingthis benefitYour Income Supportorder book, or anentitlement letterfrom your JobcentrePlus office.Getting Income-basedJobseeker’s Allowance,or your partner isgetting this benefitAn entitlement letterfrom your JobcentrePlus office.Getting Pension CreditGuarantee Credit, oryour partner is gettingthis benefitGetting tax credits andmeeting the qualifyingconditions. Or yourpartner receives taxcredits and meets thequalifying conditionsYour award notice fromthe Pension CentreA valid NHS tax creditexemption certificate oryou can use your taxcredit award notice.Named on a validHC2 certificateAn NHS certificateHC2 for full helpwith health costs.Named on a validHC3 certificateThe cost may be reducedif you are named on anNHS certificate HC3 forpartial help with healthcosts.70 HC11 – Help with health costs

Where and how to get proofYou have to claim the benefit at your JobcentrePlus office (the address will be in your localtelephone book). Incapacity Benefit or DisabilityLiving Allowance do not count as they are notincome-related.If payments are made into your bank or buildingsociety, you can obtain proof in the form of anentitlement letter from your Jobcentre Plus office.If you have lost or mislaid your Pension Centreaward notice, contact the Pension Centre phoneline on 0845 606 0265.If you are eligible for free prescriptions, yourexemption certificate will be sent to you. If youhaven’t yet received your certificate, use youraward notice.Make a claim using Form HC1, obtainable fromyour Jobcentre Plus office or by calling 0845 8501166 or 08701 555 455. You may also be ableto get one from your local hospital, dentist,optician or doctor.FREE NHS SIGHT TESTS AND OPTICAL VOUCHERS71

Ordering forms and leafletsPRINTED VERSIONSThe items listed below are availablefrom:Department of HealthPO Box 777London SE1 6XHTelephone: 08701 555 455Fax: 01623 724524Email: dh@prolog.uk.comAsk for:• HC1 Help with health costs claim form• HC5 Help with health costs refundclaim form. For all health costs exceptprescription charges (ask for FP57when you pay a prescription charge,to claim a refund)• HC11 (this leaflet) Please quoteproduct reference HC11 Help withhealth costsThe HC11 can also be madeavailable in braille on request• HC12 NHS charges andoptical voucher values• HC81(Pen) The Penalty ChargeExplained• 31179 WMV: G1 – Free milk andvitamins: a guide for families• HB6 A practical guide for disabledpeople or carers (where to findinformation, services and equipment).Quote reference 29614.72 HC11 – Help with health costs

ELECTRONIC INFORMATIONThe following are on the DH website at:www.dh.gov.uk Use the advancedsearch facility to find the documentyou need:• HC11 Help with health costs• HC12 NHS charges and opticalvoucher values• Caring for dispersed asylum seekers– a resource pack – Information forhealth staff, service planners andagencies providing advice for asylumseekers.Information about the following are onthe DH website:• WMV: G1 – Welfare milk andvitamins: a guide for families• HB6 A practical guide for disabledpeople or carers (Where to findinformation, services and equipment)HC81(Pen): on www.cfsms.nhs.uk;click on ‘Documents’ and go to ‘PenaltyCharge Guidance’.ORDERING FORMS AND LEAFLETS 73

TRANSLATION SERVICEIf you have any queries and English isnot your first language, call the PatientServices of the Prescription PricingAuthority on 0845 850 1166. Theyhave a telephone interpretation service.When you call, say in English, or ask afriend to say in English, that you havea query in another language and statethe language you need.Advice linesHealth cost advice linesFor more information about anythingin this booklet, ring 0845 850 1166(local call rates). But see below if youhave a query about an exemption orprepayment certificate.Medical and Maternity ExemptionCertificates0845 601 8076Prescription Prepayment CertificatesFor price, phone orders and enquiries:0845 850 0030NHS Tax Credit Exemption CertificatesCall 0845 609 9299 (please have your taxcredit award notice ready to answerquestions). Does not deal with enquiriesabout tax credit applications orentitlement to an award notice.74 HC11 – Help with health costs

Inland Revenue – Tax Credit helplineFor enquiries about applications orentitlement to Tax Credit AwardNotices: 0845 300 3900For people with hearing orspeech difficulties: 0845 300 3909Health advice24-hour confidential nurse advice andhealth information serviceNHS Direct: 0845 46 47Please note: NHS Direct do not dealwith tax credit queries.ADVICE LINES75

© Crown copyright 20051p 300k Feb 05 (AHP)If you require further copies of this titlequote HC11 – Help with health costsand contact:DH Publications OrderlinePO Box 777London SE1 6XHTel: 08701 555 455Fax: 01623 724 524E-mail: dh@prolog.uk.com08700 102 870 – Textphone(for minicom users) for thehard of hearing 8am to 6pmMonday to Friday.HC11 Help with health costs can also bemade available on request in braille, onaudio-cassette tape, on disk and inlarge print.www.dh.gov.uk/helpwithhealthcosts