A personal health budget is an allocation of NHS funds intended to support your health and well-being needs. Eligible individuals work with their local NHS team to plan how to use the funds to receive necessary care and support. This budget enables people to manage their healthcare, including treatments, equipment, and personal care, in a way that suits their preferences. It operates similarly to personal budgets and direct payments for social care needs.

Who can have a personal health budget? It applies to:

1. Adults receiving NHS continuing healthcare.
2. Children receiving NHS continuing healthcare.
3. Individuals meeting the eligibility criteria of their local wheelchair service, including those needing a new wheelchair.
4. People with a mental health condition eligible for section 117 after-care.

Others interested in a personal health budget can inquire with their local integrated care board (ICB).

The budget's amount is determined based on a health assessment and is used to create a personalized care plan, specifying health and well-being needs, desired outcomes, budget size, and expenditure. A care coordinator is assigned for assistance.

Notably, the budget cannot be used for gambling, debt repayment, alcohol, tobacco, or illegal activities. Emergency care, medicines, and GP services remain separate.

Regular reviews of the care plan occur to adapt to changing health needs. Recipients can opt out of the budget and still receive care through other means.

It is possible to have both a personal health budget and a personal budget for social care. They can be paid into the same bank account.

A personal health budget pertains to healthcare and support needs, while a personal budget is for social care. An integrated personal budget combines both, and direct payment allows individuals to manage their care spending.

If there are disagreements or if a request for a personal health budget is denied, individuals can follow the NHS complaints procedure.

Personal health budgets can be managed in three ways: notional budget, third-party budget, or direct payment for healthcare.

Personal wheelchair budgets also offer various management options, including notional personal wheelchair budgets, third party budgets, traditional third-party personal health budgets, and direct payments.

If budgets are underspent or overspent, arrangements will be made to manage the funds accordingly. Underspent funds may be saved for future healthcare needs or returned to the ICB. Overspending should be promptly discussed with the NHS team, and care plan adjustments can be made if necessary. Unauthorized budget spending may require repayment.

The National Health Service (NHS) provides comprehensive healthcare services free at the point of use for residents of the United Kingdom.