Health Costs

Some people get help with NHS costs automatically - either because of their age or receipt of a specific means-tested benefit or having a specified medical condition. The costs you can get help with include prescription charges, fares to hospital for treatment, dental charges, eye-tests and glasses, etc. Other people get help or partial help if their income is low enough. You cannot get partial help with the cost of prescriptions.

For more information see leaflet HC11 from local social security offices.

If you are exempt from charges because of your age or receipt of a qualifying benefit, fill in the back of the prescription or relevant form at the dentist, hospital etc. For exemption from prescription charges on the grounds of specific medical conditions fill in form FP92A available from your Doctor or local health authority.

If you are claiming on the grounds of low income fill in form HC1 available from Post Offices or social security offices and send it to:

Health Benefits Division
Sandyford House
Archbold Terrace
Jesmond
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 1DB

Telephone 0191 203 5555.