Help with Health Costs
FREe prescriptions
People being treated for 
Cancer will be eligible for free prescriptions from 1 April 2009and can apply for free prescriptions from today.
The new scheme, announced by the Prime Minister in September 2008, abolishes NHS prescription charges for everyone undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment.
Up to 150,000 patients already diagnosed with cancer are expected to benefit, and may save £100 each year in prescription charges.
All cancer patients are entitled to apply for a 5-year exemption certificate, which will entitle them to all their NHS prescriptions free of charge, not just those relating to cancer. The certificate can be renewed as many times as necessary and will not have to be returned if the patient's condition changes.
Application forms can be collected from GP surgeries and oncology clinics from today and must be countersigned by the patient's GP, hospital doctor or service doctor.
Applications received by 24 March will be processed in time to be used for 1 April. Patients who do not receive for their certificate in time may have any prescription charges they have paid since the 1st April refunded.
Source: www.direct.gov.uk
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Depending on your circumstances you may also be entitled to help with some or all of the following health costs:
• NHS dental treatment
• NHS Sight tests
• Glasses and contact lenses
• Necessary costs of travel to receive NHS treatment under the care of a consultant, or through a referral by a doctor or dentist
• NHS wigs and fabric supports
( ‘fabric supports’ mean spinal or abdominal supports or surgical brassieres supplied through a hospital).
To find out more about getting help with any of the above please click on the relevent link below:
HC11 - Help with health costs in England 
HC11W - Help with health costs in Wales
HCS 2 - Help with health costs in Scotland
HS HC11 - Help with health costs in Northern Ireland
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