HELP Free healthcare needed soon for pre - retirement brit.....

[Claire la richarde]

Originally Posted by greenandpleasantland

I think you have a better understanding of the E106 than some

Can't really take the credit - I just looked around on the web.

[greenandpleasantland]

Originally Posted by Claire la richarde

Further to my earlier message, a possible get-out clause:


"If you relocate to France under the age of retirement with the intention of living off your capital, and/or early retirement pension, then, when cover under the E106 expires, you will need to take out private health insurance. You will need to maintain this private health cover until you have lived in France for 5 years, or you reach the age of retirement, and thereby become eligible for E121 health cover, whichever is the sooner."

Having said that, I'm not sure what the situation would be if the person in question has never appeared on the radar of the French health system. Does anyone have any idea about this?

Right so pay for private health insurance after E106 expires then get carte vitale after retiring or after 5 yrs residence....

yes a bit ugly again, as had no E106 or insurance and has always paid for DR appointments.... so effectively not on the 'radar' ......E121 cover, not carte vitale? I thought E121 was for people with severe diablement or incapacity.....

how confusing.....

[greenandpleasantland]

Originally Posted by Claire la richarde

All the websites I've looked at so far say the same thing

"The CMU Protection Complémentaire (CMU–C) provides free health insurance cover for those on a low income, whether unemployed, employed, or self-employed.

'Inactive' expats are entitled to access to the CMU-C, provided they have lived in France for at least five years..."

The gross income threshold entitlement to the CMU-C for a one-person household up to July 2009 was €7,447 + a 'forfait logement' if you don't pay a mortgage or rent on your home.

"Application can be made to your local Caisse (normally the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) to whom you should provide proof of your income."

Even if your income is too high to receive entitlement to CMU-C, you may still be entitled to assistance with your voluntary health insurance costs.

It looks as if it's definitely worth enquiring at the Caisse.

Hello again Claire

That is helpful

I think the CMU looks like the most likely/easy option so far.....

Thanks for letting me know the part about low income and 5 yrs residency

He doesn't pay rent....

I believe where the CMU states low income for french residents they mean those on RSA (the replacement to RMI) Not sure why it mentions 3 months residence min to qualify? I think that france expects foreigners to be working or retired to be here and that's it- they can't claim benefits like the french.

[Claire la richarde]

Originally Posted by greenandpleasantland

I thought E121 was for people with severe diablement or incapacity.....

E121 is for retired people ("someone of the age of retirement of the country of origin, with no professional activity, and in receipt of a State pension from their home EEA country") as well as those on long term incapacity benefit.

Anyway, check out my message on CMU-C. May be a ray of hope.

[greenandpleasantland]

Originally Posted by Claire la richarde

E121 is for retired people ("someone of the age of retirement of the country of origin, with no professional activity, and in receipt of a State pension from their home EEA country") as well as those on long term incapacity benefit.

Anyway, check out my message on CMU-C. May be a ray of hope.

Ok, I get it now - will do thanx

[Claire la richarde]

One last detail that might be useful

CPAM - French Health Service (English language service): +33 (0)8 20 90 42 12

[greenandpleasantland]

Originally Posted by Claire la richarde

One last detail that might be useful

CPAM - French Health Service (English language service): +33 (0)8 20 90 42 12

thanks - i'll pass it on

[parsnips]

Hi,
If this person has lived in France for 5 years they would have been here before the CMU cut-off point. If ,as is legally required ,they have been making a tax declaration here they can produce proof of their residence going back to 2005 ,and so qualify for the CMU (free if they have a low income).
If however they have chosen to remain "invisible" to the french system for some reason, then they are in a serious mess of their own making and unless their spouse takes their pension and lives in France with them to get E121, they will have to take full private health insurance. I suggest they contact "Exclusive Health Care" for quotes.

[Bevdeforges]

I'm not trying to say the person is bad or doing anything wrong. Just that it seems like they are making some wrong moves that seem to go against their best interests.

Had a long discussion some months ago with a British friend of mine where we were talking about "problem solving styles" of the various nationalities. The French have a tendency in cases like you're describing of going to the mairie, whereas most Brits and most Americans would do anything to avoid getting "the government" involved.

Most mairies in France are a real valuable source of information about what programs and benefits may be available. You may have to put up with a bit of "officious" treatment at first, but usually for an older person in difficulty, they'll do whatever it takes to get them what they need. And they can find out precisely what documents your friend needs to present in order to qualify for public services.

The mairie is generally the organizer for home delivered meals, for organizing transport for shopping for the elderly, and as I think I mentioned, for having a sécu representative available on a regular basis to help residents sort out problems. The French health care system normally only pays 60 - 70% of most health care bills, but in the case of someone on limited income, this can be changed to cover 100% and even to avoid having to pay up front and wait for reimbursement.

Your friend is legally living in France. He or she has nothing to fear. Take him or her to their local mairie and ask what can be done. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Cheers,
Bev

[greenandpleasantland]

Originally Posted by parsnips

Hi,
If this person has lived in France for 5 years they would have been here before the CMU cut-off point. If ,as is legally required ,they have been making a tax declaration here they can produce proof of their residence going back to 2005 ,and so qualify for the CMU (free if they have a low income).
If however they have chosen to remain "invisible" to the french system for some reason, then they are in a serious mess of their own making and unless their spouse takes their pension and lives in France with them to get E121, they will have to take full private health insurance. I suggest they contact "Exclusive Health Care" for quotes.

Hi
- that is very informed and useful
thank you