Rising health and living costs: steps you can take

Blog - 1 February 2023

New data from Healthwatch England reveals an increase in people avoiding vital care due to rising costs, and highlights how the cost-of-living crisis is creating barriers to accessing necessary healthcare.
Cost of living money

1) Are you eligible for free NHS treatment and prescriptions?
You are exempt from charges for certain health services if you are:

  • aged under 16
  • aged between 16 and 18 and in full time education
  • aged over 60
  • on a low income and in receipt of certain benefits

Exemptions from charges may include NHS prescriptions, NHS tests and treatments, such as eye tests or dental treatment, and even reimbursement for some travel costs to appointments, depending on your circumstances.

For a full list of who is entitled to help with NHS costs and how to apply, check your eligibility here.

2) Can you save money with a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)?
A PPC could save you money if you pay for regular prescriptions. As the NHS website explains:

  • The certificate covers all your NHS prescriptions for a set price.
  • A prescription costs £9.35 per item, but prepaying for an unlimited number of prescriptions is:
  • £30.25 for 3 months
  • £108.10 for 12 months (or 10 Direct Debit instalments of £10.81
  • You will save money if you need more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months

You can find further details about the certificate, and how to purchase it here.

Before buying a PPC, check if you’re entitled to free NHS prescriptions and other help with health costs using the NHS eligibility checker.

3) Are you entitled to a free eye test?
Some people are entitled to a free eye test, and maybe even an optical voucher to reduce the cost of glasses or contact lenses. This includes those with diabetes or glaucoma.

To find out if you are entitled to a free NHS sight test or an optical voucher visit the NHS website here.

If your job requires you to use display screen equipment (DSE), your employer must pay for a full eyesight test if you request one. Your employer may also have to pay for glasses in certain circumstances. Further guidance can be found here.

4) Are you entitled to extra help with heating costs?
Winter conditions present an increased risk to our health, especially if you are older or have long-term health conditions such as heart or kidney disease, asthma or diabetes.

There are various grants and benefits to help with heating costs, more information on the help you may be entitled to is available here.

West Sussex County Council has also set up a support page with help and advice around the cost of living crisis. The provides information and advice on what support there is for West Sussex residents. You can access the page here. 

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