Shutterstock.com
People leaving care will be entitled to free prescriptions until the age of 25 years, the government has announced.
In a press release issued on 23 December 2025, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said tens of thousands of care leavers would be able to access free prescriptions, as well as free dental and eye care services, as a way to help tackle inequalities faced by people who grew up in care.
“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,” it 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.”
The package of measures also includes guaranteed interviews for NHS roles and a pilot of paid NHS internships.
Josh MacAlister, minister for children and families and former children’s social care adviser, said: “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.”
Amanda Hopgood, chair of the Local Government Association (LGA)’s 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.
“This is a positive step to ensure care leavers can access services that help them to stay healthy and well. 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,” she added.
Prescriptions are free for everyone in Wales and Scotland, but in England the fee is currently £9.90 per item unless the patient is in one of the exempt groups, which includes those aged over 60 years or under 16 years, and people aged between 16 and 18 years who are in full-time education.
