How easy is it to access financial support for healthcare costs?

In the middle of the image – with quote marks on either side are the words ‘Latest news update… Help with healthcare costs – how easy is it to access?’ In the top left corner of the image is an icon representing health (a nurses hat with a cross on it) and beside that a £ sign). The Healthwatch logo is in the bottom right corner of the image. All of the image is on a dark blue background.

How easy is it to access financial support for healthcare costs?

19th September 2024

The NHS offers support for people on low incomes to help with healthcare costs, but how easy is it to access?

 

1 in 5 people in the UK lives on a low income. Here in Surrey there are over 66,000 people on Universal Credit (figures from Surrey-i). And the proportion of children in low income households is lower in Surrey (8.6%) than in the South East (13.3%) and England (19.4%) overall. Healthwatch England research found that some people avoid getting medications, visiting the dentist, or travelling to care appointments because of the cost.

 

Support does exist. If you have a low income, the NHS Low Income Scheme can help you pay for prescription costs, dental charges, eye care costs, travelling to receive treatment,  as well as for wigs and fabric supports. But the experiences shared with Healthwatch suggest that awareness of the help available is low.

 

We’d love to know what the people of Surrey think. Are you missing out on treatment or care due to the cost? Are you baffled by the help which is and isn’t available? What could be done better? Healthwatch Surrey champions the voice of local people to shape, improve and get the best from NHS, health and social care services. As an independent statutory body, we have the power to make sure decision makers listen to your feedback. Our Helpdesk can also assist with signposting and information about local health and social care services. So please contact us.