No concessions is by contrast with prescription where I understand ~90% are issued free. If payment for GP visits was administered similarly its introduction would not be worth the political fallout and administration for a fairly trivial sum.
I would fully expect some concessions for those most in need - but would expect 80% + to pay. Or why bother.
As an aside I will admit to being ignorant of the complexities and challenges of life on universal credit - and would not want to be reliant.
But most folk also got help with council tax and rent etc, many when in employment. The average UC payment is £800 per month. Of 5.7m receiving UC, ~40% are in employment.
There are clearly some who would have real difficulty with health charges. However overstating the problem of some/few by generalising its impact on an entire group is a distortion - and risks alienating empathy for those who justifiably deserve it.
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