§ Vernon CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent assessment he has made of the help available to medical students for meeting NHS prescription charges; and if he will make a statement; [99918]
(2) what plans he has to increase the support that the NHS Low Income Scheme gives to medical students; and if he will make a statement. [99923]
1206W
§ Mr. LammyYoung people under 16 and those under 19 who are in full time education are entitled to full help with health costs, including National Health Service prescription charges. Those aged 19 and over, including medical students, can apply for help with their health costs through the NHS low income scheme. The extent of any help is based on a comparison between the student's weekly income and requirements at the date the claim is received. We have no plans to change the current arrangements.
Patients who need frequent prescriptions may benefit from purchasing a prescription prepayment certificate.