FinancialExpat's Blog

See below for the official response I have just received from the British embassy in Paris

Steve 

> Dear Sir /Madam
>
> French government's new decision on access to the French healthcare system
> for inactive citizens from other EU countries
>
> Following representations made to the French government, we can confirm that
> the French Health Ministry has modified its decision regarding access to the
> French healthcare system for inactive citizens from other EU countries
> already residing in France.
>
> According to the French Health Ministry's official revised statement and Q&A
> factsheet
> <http://www.securite-sociale.fr/comprendre/europe/europe/cmu_inactifs.htm>
> http://www.securite-sociale.fr/comprendre/europe/europe/cmu_inactifs.htm
>
> 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.
>
>
> * After 5 years of "regular, uninterrupted residence" in France, an EU
> citizen qualifies as a permanent 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 state pension 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").
> * We have ensured that the French authorities are fully aware of the
> specific circumstances of E106 holders already resident in France who do not
> have existing access to CMU and who may not be able to secure private health
> insurance for various reasons when their E106 expires. Following discussions
> to highlight the need for urgent clarification in cases where the E106 is
> due to expire imminently, we have been told that people will have the
> safeguard of essential immediate healthcare provision. We are expecting a
> response in the next few days from the Health Ministry to give further
> detail for people in these circumstances.
> * 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. We suggest people seek further information and advice on
> individual cases from one or more of the following:
>
> French Social Security website:
> <http://www.securite-sociale.fr/comprendre/europe/europe/cmu_inactifs.htm>
> http://www.securite-sociale.fr/comprendre/europe/europe/cmu_inactifs.htm
>
> CPAM - The French Health Service (English language service): +33 8 20 90 42
> 12 or to identify your local CPAM:
> http://www.ameli.fr/assures/votre-caisse/index.php
>
> CLEISS - (France's helpdesk for international mobility and social security):
>
>
> 11 rue de la tour des Dames
>
> 75436 Paris cedex 09Tel: +33 1 45 26 33 41
>
> www.cleiss.fr <http://www.cleiss.fr>
>
> For holders of E106 and E109 forms:
>
> DWP Overseas Medical Benefits helpline
>
> International Pension Centre
>
> Room Tc001
>
> Tyneview Park
>
> Whitley Road
>
> Newcastle upon Tyne
>
> NE98 1BA
>
> Tel: +44 (0) 191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm)
>
> www.dh.gov.uk/travellers <http://www.dh.gov.uk/travellers>
>
> or for press enquiries: Department of Health Press Office: +(44) 207 210
> 5221
>
>
>  _____ 
>
> Kind Regards,
>
> Public Enquiries
> Press and Communications
> British Embassy Paris
>
>
> 
>
>
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