Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Shockat Adam (Independent (affiliation)) on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 May 2026. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Monday, 13 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Patients: Medical Equipment

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what financial support and assistance is available to patients required to self fund essential medical equipment.

Answer

National Health Service medical services are free at the point of use for the patient, as the system is taxpayer funded, although patients might be charged for some NHS services, for example, dental treatment, prescriptions, glasses, wigs, and fabric supports. Patients might not have to pay for these services if they receive certain benefits or are on low incomes.

The NHS website sets out what contributions patients are required to make for medical equipment and treatment, which can be found at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/when-you-need-to-pay-towards-nhs-care/

For patients receiving universal credit or on low incomes, financial help with those costs may be available. Information on the NHS Low Income Scheme and how to apply can be found at the following link:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
804
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Finance Patients Medical equipment
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk