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

[greenandpleasantland]

Originally Posted by 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

Hi
OK -yes, probably still not totally their fault....
I appreciate your help still
i's good to get a better understanding of the mairie too

[greenandpleasantland]

Can I just add that he situation would have been greatly improved if the person's partner had sold the house in the UK and moved over to join them as was meant to happen...... I guess they found themselves in a state of limbo as things didn't go as planned.... perhaps their option is to return to the UK, face long waiting list and questionable service again.....which is very sad.

I cannot explain or confirm the exact in's and out's of their fiscality

I have eard tat from the age of 60 you get automatic contributions in the UK without working....

[parsnips]

Originally Posted by greenandpleasantland

Can I just add that he situation would have been greatly improved if the person's partner had sold the house in the UK and moved over to join them as was meant to happen...... I guess they found themselves in a state of limbo as things didn't go as planned.... perhaps their option is to return to the UK, face long waiting list and questionable service again.....which is very sad.

I cannot explain or confirm the exact in's and out's of their fiscality

I have eard tat from the age of 60 you get automatic contributions in the UK without working....

Hi,
Only UK residents get NI credits after age 60. I know because I tried to claim them unsuccessfully.

[greenandpleasantland]

Originally Posted by parsnips

Hi,
Only UK residents get NI credits after age 60. I know because I tried to claim them unsuccessfully.

Hi
I see - will make a note of that too then... I'll feed everything back and see if they an find something to fit their situation.....
I also have just learned of the E109 which allows the family of someone working in the UK to access the French health care system. With the person in the UK still using HNIC for visits.
Thanks Parsnips

[greenandpleasantland]

Originally Posted by parsnips

Hi,
Only UK residents get NI credits after age 60. I know because I tried to claim them unsuccessfully.

Does it make a difference to state pension claim?

[parsnips]

Originally Posted by greenandpleasantland

Does it make a difference to state pension claim?

Hi,
If, as is apparently the case, the person reaches state retirement age after the 6 April 2010, they will only require 30 qualifying years of NI contributions to get a full pension.
Provided they meet that requirement, the lack of free credits for the later years is not relevant.