The announcement comes as the government aims to address health inequalities and improve access to support.
People leaving care in England will be entitled to free prescriptions, dental and eye care until the age of 25, the government has announced.
In a press release issued at the end of December, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the measures will help tackle inequalities faced by care leavers, who are more likely to experience poor health outcomes and difficulties accessing services.
‘Those who have been in care are at a higher risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and have a higher chance of experiencing homelessness and unemployment,’ the department said.
‘Many face barriers in accessing mental and physical health services, with more than one-quarter of those leaving care not told how to get help with their physical health, including registering with a GP or dentist.’
Alongside free healthcare, the package includes guaranteed interviews for NHS roles and a pilot scheme offering paid NHS internships for care leavers. Ministers said the aim is to reduce barriers to employment and provide more stable routes into work.
Josh MacAlister, minister for children, said the changes would have a real impact on young people’s lives.
‘This package of health measures will make a tangible difference to reduce health inequalities, keep more children safe and help more families with intensive support,’ he said.
The announcement was welcomed by local government leaders, who have previously called for additional support for care leavers as they move into adulthood.
Amanda Hopgood, chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) children, young people and families committee, said: ‘We are pleased [the] government has introduced measures so that young people leaving care do not have to pay for prescriptions, as well as dental and eye care.
‘The LGA has previously called for this to help prevent care leavers from falling into financial hardship when they leave care and to support their transition into independence.’
However, she warned that access to services remains a challenge in some areas.
‘This is a positive step to ensure care leavers can access services that help them to stay healthy and well,’ Hopgood said. ‘However, care leavers must be supported to access NHS dentistry, as persistent ‘dental deserts’ are deepening health inequalities, particularly in more deprived and rural areas.’
Prescriptions are already free for everyone in Wales and Scotland. In England, patients currently pay £9.90 per item unless they are in an exempt group, including children, people aged over 60 and some young people in full-time education.
Image: Shutterstock
In related news:
Leave a Reply