Q: A patient has handed me a voucher for Healthy Start Vitamins saying that she is in receipt of universal tax credit and is eligible for them. Is this correct?

A: Yes, patients in receipt of universal tax credit became entitled to Healthy Start vitamins from 1st November 2016. 

The Healthy Start scheme also entitles children aged between six months and four years old whose parents receive Universal Tax credit to receive Healthy Start vitamins.

Healthy start vitamins are free from egg, milk, gluten, soya, and peanut residues and are also suitable for vegetarian and halal diets.

Pharmacy contractors must be registered with the Healthy Start scheme to accept vouchers and participate in the programme. 

Participation in the Healthy Start scheme could enable you to provide eligible patients with vitamin tablets, vitamin drops, infant formula or liquid cow’s milk. The scheme could be considered as a driver for patient footfall.

The Healthy start scheme differs in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. To find out more about the scheme relevant to your pharmacy select the appropriate country below:

England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Wales

Tariff Tip written by Sue Swift, UK Drug Tariff and Information Technician