In a significant policy shift, the government has announced that young people leaving the care system in England will be entitled to free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests until the age of 25.
Breaking Down Barriers to Healthcare
The new measures, announced on 23 December 2025, are designed to support care leavers during the challenging transition to early adulthood. For many, the cost of treatment, confusion over eligibility, and difficulty registering with an NHS dentist have meant health problems often go unaddressed.
Alongside the extended healthcare entitlements, a pilot scheme will trial paid internships within the NHS and a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible care leavers, aiming to improve their career prospects.
Addressing a 'Huge Social Injustice'
Labour's Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, stated the move directly tackles the health inequalities faced by those who have been in care. "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," he said.
Josh MacAlister, the Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing and founder of the charity Frontline, echoed this sentiment. "The disadvantage faced by children who’ve grown up in care is a huge social injustice. That’s why we’re taking cross-government action to transform life chances for these children and care leavers," he commented.
Experts Welcome 'Dignity as Much as Dentistry'
The announcement has been welcomed by health advocates. Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, praised the decision. "This is about dignity as much as dentistry," he said. "Extending free dental care to 25 is a hugely positive step... It removes a barrier that never should have existed."
Dr Carter emphasised the need for the policy to translate into real-world access, ensuring every eligible young person can secure the care they need to build independent lives.
The Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, described the package as "practical measures" that will make a tangible difference. She noted this is support that other young people often take for granted, but which can be transformative for care leavers overcoming challenges.
The policy package also delivers on key recommendations from the independent review of children’s social care published by Josh MacAlister in 2022, signalling a government commitment to breaking down barriers for the most vulnerable.
