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Title: Health Costs
Summary: Help with Health Costs. Before your next health check, it pays to get a benefits check.
   
Date: 25/11/2009
Full Article:
Free NHS check
If you are over 60, you are entitled to free prescriptions and sight tests, NHS hearing aids are also available on free loan. You might also be eligible for free chiropody if you have a clinical need.
Speak to your GP in the first instance about free NHS services.
 
Help with NHS costs
You (and your partner) are automatically entitled to help with health costs if you receive Guarantee Credit.
 
This includes:
  • Free NHS dental check-ups and treatment.
  • Sight tests and vouchers toward the cost of glasses and contact lenses.
  • Repayment of necessary travel costs to hospial and back for NHS treatment.
What if I don't get Guarantee Credit
If you don't get Guarantee Credit but you are over 60 and have less that £16,000 in savings, you can apply for help with health costs through NHS Low Income Scheme.
This scheme may help you to pay for NHS dental checks and treatment, glasses or contact lenses, and hospital travel costs.
If you do not receive Guarantee Credit and would like to apply for help with health costs, you need to fill in claim form HC1.
 
You can request a form by phoning the Help with Health Costs Helpline on  0845 850 11 66 or you can pick one up from a dentist, optician or NHS hospital.
 
Age Concern can also help and advise you.