Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to help reduce barriers for adults on lower incomes attempting to access NHS care.

National Health Services are free at the point of use for those ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, except for certain charges, such as NHS prescriptions in England and dental charges across the UK.

Many schemes are available to help reduce barriers for adults on lower incomes attempting to access NHS care. This includes charges exemptions for specific groups, support through the NHS Low Income Scheme, and prescription prepayment certificates to cap costs. Patients on a low income may also be able to get help with other necessary health-related costs, for example through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme, subject to eligibility.