Do the NHS usually use the word FREE in letters?

[EveningStars]

If so, I have possibly only just noticed it.
My aunt, who has recently turned 65, received a letter this week inviting her for a lung health check. She handed to to me earlier today when visiting and I noticed the first line "We are please to invite you to a FREE lung health check.

Would some people expect to pay for it? Are some screenings not available over a certain income bracket?
And surely the word 'free' sits oddly in itself since we fund the health service - ie, it isn't exactly free.

Is this new or standard?

I would assume its to increase uptake. Using the word free makes it appear more desirable.

I had that with a over 40s health check a few years ago. Didn't really think anything of it - it's an extra so it's making the point it's free so no one doesn't do it in case they charge.

It’s to make it very clear there’s no cost at point of access. They’ve probably got research that shows some people think there could be a fee so aren’t attending. They do similar with the MMR.

Thank you. That's interesting because when I receive an official NHS letter it would never occur to me that I might have to pay - yet!
I also wondered if, since lung checks have been available privately, they added the FREE to make a distinction. Surely most people of any education level in the UK would not expect to pay private fees for an NHS health check? I can't really see why they wold think we might consider that currently.

Why not? You've got to pay for an NHS check on your dental and oral health. You have to pay a tenner per item you get prescribed or told to go and buy it yourself. You need physio or hydrotherapy, half the time you're told you get 4 sessions in 18 months if you're lucky or you can pay for access out of standard hours. Glasses cost money. NHS eye tests cost money.

Saying it's free doesn't mean they won't introduce a chargeable element if enough people take it up in the future.