HC Deb 06 June 1991 vol 192 cc302-4W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will consider extending the valid period of certificates issued under the health benefits low-income scheme from six to 12 months;

(2) if he will introduce a formal right of appeal for late claims for refunds of costs incurred for dental, optical and prescription charges.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer,Official Report, 22 May, column 530, if he will make a statement on the remit of the review of the health benefits low income scheme.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The review of the low income scheme will be wide-ranging. It will examine all aspects of the administration of the NHS low income scheme, particularly the amount of information intending claimants are asked to provide, the adequacy of existing forms, leaflets and publicity, and current procedures for assessing entitlement under the scheme. In addition, we shall examine current exemption arrangements, including the present six-month period for which certificates are valid, the time limits for obtaining refunds for charges incurred and the scope for improving existing review arrangements.

As my earlier reply made clear we aim to produce proposals for change by the end of 1991.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has conducted to establish that glasses are available at a cost not exceeding the full value of vouchers issued under the low income scheme.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The Department undertakes surveys each autumn to monitor the effectiveness of the voucher scheme.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on the health benefits low income scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has recently received a report from the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB) concerning the NHS low income scheme. This detailed report is most welcome and particularly timely in light of the Department's review of this scheme. As the review is taken forward officials will be discussing with NACAB the issues and recommendations which they have made.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will extend the period during which a person may apply for a refund of dental and optical charges under the health benefits low income scheme;

(2) if his review of the health benefits low income scheme will examine the cost-effectiveness of replacing the health benefits low income scheme by transferring the costs to the national insurance contribution scheme.

Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to improve the provision of leaflets and claim forms for the health benefits low income scheme in languages other than English.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Present arrangements already allow for refunds of most dental and optical charges to be made up to one month after payment of the charge and beyond that time if there is good cause for the claim being delayed. The review of the NHS low income scheme will provide a fresh opportunity for the question of time limits for refunds to be reconsidered.

Government policy on NHS charges are based primarily on the principle that those who can afford to make a contribution should do so, whilst those who have difficulty in paying the charges should be protected. There are no plans to change this policy.

The provision of leaflets in languages other than English will be considered as part of a more general examination of the low income forms and leaflets.