The government has unveiled a significant new policy to support young adults who have grown up in the care system. Care leavers in England will now be entitled to free NHS prescriptions, dental check-ups, and eye care until their 25th birthday, in a bid to address stark health inequalities.
Breaking Down Barriers to Healthcare
Announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the initiative recognises the unique challenges faced by those who have spent time in foster care or children's homes. Official statistics highlight that this group is at a higher lifetime risk of mental illness, homelessness, and unemployment. Alarmingly, more than a quarter of care leavers report not being taught basic health navigation skills, such as how to register with a GP or dentist.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) estimates the move could benefit tens of thousands. There are approximately 53,230 care leavers aged 17 to 21 and another 44,430 aged 22 to 25 in 2025 who stand to gain from the expanded exemptions.
A Holistic Package of Support
The policy forms part of a broader package designed to improve outcomes for care-experienced young people. Alongside free healthcare, new regulations will allow GPs to be alerted if a patient is in care, enabling faster information sharing if clinicians raise concerns during appointments.
A separate three-year pilot scheme will also test ways to provide speedier access to mental health support for children still in care. This builds on a previous commitment, announced last year, to offer guaranteed interviews for NHS roles to care leavers.
"Those in care face the toughest start in life and as a result suffer from a barrage of health inequalities, hampering their chances of going on to lead a happy, successful and fulfilling life," said Mr Streeting. He credited the work of Education Minister Josh MacAlister, whose 2022 Independent Review of Children's Social Care informed the measures.
Welcomed with Calls for Further Action
The announcement has been welcomed by key figures, though some warn that access remains a critical issue. Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza described the measures as "practical" support that other young people often take for granted. She highlighted concerning data, noting that almost 40% of care leavers aged 19-21 are not in education, employment, or training, and they are disproportionately represented in the prison population.
The British Dental Association (BDA) praised the extension of dental charge exemptions. However, BDA chairman Eddie Crouch cautioned: "To ensure this isn't an empty gesture government must ensure they can actually get an appointment." His statement underscores ongoing challenges in NHS dentistry capacity.
Education Minister Josh MacAlister framed the policy as tackling a "huge social injustice," while Dame Rachel de Souza urged all levels of government to keep care leavers at the heart of policy decisions. The combined measures represent a concerted effort to provide a firmer foundation for some of society's most vulnerable young adults as they transition into independence.
