New information regarding the French government’s position on healthcare for early-retiree expats was posted briefly on the British Department of Health’s website yesterday.
The posting confirmed information revealed in this month’s Connexion, that early retirees already affiliated to the state healthcare system will be allowed to continue to do so. However, the posting was removed after just a few hours. The Connexion is awaiting an explanation as to why from the department.
French Government social security spokeswoman Stéphanie Gaillard said, “Part of the information on the British site was incorrect. That is why it was removed. The information does not entirely correspond with what is written in the circular (Information produced to update health workers in France which has not yet been released to the press or public).”
Conservatives Abroad, a branch of the UK Conservative Party, which alerted Connexion to the posting, were told by the Department of Health that the posting was removed on the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Conservatives Abroad member Gary Streeter MP said, “It is disappointing that a glimmer of hope has been withdrawn. The Labour government must do more to make sure that information regarding the changes is released quickly, and Britons living in France do not face an uncertain Christmas. Conservatives Abroad will continue to push the government to make sure no Briton currently paying into the health system, or in receipt of an E106, will be excluded from the system when the changes are announced.”
The information posted as official on the Department of Health website was removed after a few hours. The following is the text that appeared on the Department of Health’s website:
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According to the French Health Ministry's official revised statement and Q&A fact sheet the position is:
Inactive EU citizens already living in France and already registered and accessing healthcare via the CMU before 23 November 2007 will now be allowed to continue to do so.
To ensure that people are not left without the possibility of accessing necessary healthcare (eg E106 holders without existing access to CMU whose E106 expires and who choose to continue living in France), the French Health authorities will consider allowing access via the Aide Médicale de l'Etat system for:
a) those with a pre-existing medical condition, and for those who later develop an unforeseen medical condition, which prevents them from being able to obtain private health insurance;
b) those who, having previously obtained a right to reside in France, suffer a 'major life event' (eg death of a spouse or divorce) which means they do not have sufficient resources;
After 5 years of 'regular, uninterrupted residence' in France, an EU citizen qualifies as a French resident and will therefore have access to healthcare via the CMU.
The position remains that all inactive EU citizens under retirement age living in France now or in future who are not entitled to healthcare reimbursement (through the E106 or E109 forms) or to access to the French health system will be required to have their own personal health insurance until they reach UK retirement age (and therefore qualify for entitlement to the E121 form), or until they qualify as a French resident (after 5 years of regular, uninterrupted residence).
As previously, people already over retirement age who are holders of an E121 which is registered with the French authorities will remain unaffected.
This information is based on what we have been told by the French authorities.
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Connexion has been informed by the French authorities that a circular of amendments to the government’s ban on healthcare access for non-workers, who are below retirement age and are not in receipt of an E106, has been signed by the French Health Minister. This circular was due to sent to France’s many local health authorities (CPAMs) last month. However, CPAMs have not yet received this information. Readers who visit their local CPAM will therefore find workers are not yet informed of any amendments. The Connexion advises that you wait until our website updates you that the circular has been received and members of CPAM staff adequately briefed.
The French authorities are tight-lipped about the delay. The international social security helpline CLEISS told Connexion that the delay appears to be at the level of the CNAM – the national body which distributes information to CPAMs. They said CNAM was not satisfied with the final document and its implications for application at ground level.
This, however, has not been confirmed by the government. Stéphanie Gaillard told Connexion on December 10, “The circular is in the process of being communicated to the CPAMs and its content will be posted at www.securite-sociale.fr."
Connexion understands that the circular was signed by the French Minister of Health on November 23. We are continuing to check for updates and to contact the relevant bodies for more information. We will post any new information on our website.
