[Health Reimbursement]

Thanks Norman H,

I think you are right.  It just came as a bit of a shock when I was expecting 125 Euros and ended up 50 euros short.  Amazing how quickly these little things add up isn't it?

I assume this is not reimbursable from the Mutuelle?

[Health Reimbursement]

Hope someone can answer this query for me:  I have just received the 125 Euro reimbursement for my wig (during chemo) from my Caisse (Ram Gamex), however at the same time they have deducted 50 Euros in various charges.  These are all small amounts marked, FR récupérée and PF récupérée, all on different dates and deducted from my reimbursement.

If anyone can shed any light on these charges I would be grateful as all my recent treatment has been for an ALD (Affection Longue Duree), and I thought that these Dr's/Hospital appointments were covered 100%?

[Cooperlola]

Good luck with the 4th round of chemo Coops.  Just remember the end is in sight, only another 2 to go.  You are an inspiration to us all.

[For anyone who has just been diagnosed with Cancer..]

Great thread Norman, and I'm so pleased to see you doing so well.

The information that you and Coops provided has been invaluable to me with my recent Cancer diagnosis.

I also 2nd your comment about being proactive - I have had to push quite hard to get my treatment

underway here in France, and it seems to me that the administration lets the side down.  Usually the Consultant will tell you treatment will begin in 10 days and then you receive an appointment for 4 weeks in the future!  Don't accept this, insist on an earlier appt., and if that doesn't happen ask your GP to contact the consultant direct if necessary.

On another point, I would urge anyone that has "calcifications" on their Mammograms to ask for further analyses.   My tumour is in the exact same spot as a calcification that appeared on the last 3 mammograms, but each time I was told no further tests were needed.  I now know that these can be a sign of pre-cancerous cells, so would have handled things differently.

Thankfully my surgery is now finished and I will start chemo on 2nd November.  The treatment itself has been fantastic as have all the Dr's and nurses at Rangueil (Toulouse).

Bon courage to anyone starting on this journey.[blink]

[Cooperlola]

Hi Coops

Finally found the time to read your thread.  You are amazing, I don't know how you stay so positive with everything that has happened over the last few years.  But... keep up the good work, positive thoughts must certainly help.

Also good to read your thoughts and experiences re chemo and frozen hat...  I was going to ask about this when I see my oncologist next week.  I will keep everything crossed that you continue to have only mild side effects and can still enjoy a good bottle of wine now and then!

Thinking of you.

Mrs Bertiebe

[Breast Cancer Advice Please]

Hi, thought it about time I gave an update.  Well, I had my P.A.M.ectomie 4 1/2 weeks ago and it all went very well, at the same time they tested the Sentinel node.   I was extremely pleased with the surgery, the staff and care at Rangueil in Tls, but the food left a little to be desired.

I had my follow-up appt. last Tuesday and unfortunately the Sentinel node has biopsied positive so am returning to hospital on Tuesday to have the lymph nodes removed and biopsied again, I assume. Then 4 1/2 months of chemo will follow.  I was disappointed as the surgeon reconstructed my breast when he operated and I wasn't expecting to go back for further surgery, but hey ho I know it is necessary.

I have one question regarding the claim for my husband to take me to hospital.  When the hospital issue the Presc. Medic. de Transport for him to take me into hospital and they only tick "aller" on the form, does this mean he can only claim for the journey one way on the "Etat de frais Transports"?  It seems a bit mean if that is the case because he has to return home.

Thanks again to everyone for their advice and good luck to everyone who is battling cancer in all it's forms.

Mrs Bertiebe

[Breast Cancer Advice Please]

Thanks NormanH, I know GP should have it but things seem to work a little differently in the remote mountains, and at times a little slowly, but my GP does try to pull out all the stops.

As to the subject of reconstruction, there was a lot of discussion here in the UK, but until I have my first meeting (post positive results) on Monday in France I wont know for sure whether he is talking full or partial mastectomy and need to ask about reconstruction.

If anyone knows the cancer terminology in French/English this would be very useful, things like Lymph nodes, reconstruction, etc. etc. Many thanks.

[Breast Cancer Advice Please]

Thank you all for the kind words and the useful forum information.

Another question I'm afraid, my GP's secretary in France said we get the ALD application form online - however, we have looked and can't locate it. Can anyone help.

Keep up the good work all of you, we do appreciate it.

[Breast Cancer Advice Please]

Hi everyone, well good news. Having had 2 options for surgery (UK and France), my excellent GP has discussed my case with the Consultant in Toulouse and I have a pre-op appt. on Monday with a view to surgery on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

Must say I am calming down a little now as I have been so stressed with this large Hematoma (still not going down), and all the extra information with regards to Cancer.

Cannot praise the staff of Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield enough, the NHS did pull out all the stops for me; as I'm sure is now going to be the case in France.Thanks for all the good wishes, will let you know how it all goes.

[Breast Cancer Advice Please]

Thanks to everyone for their replies. It always surprises me how many of you are in, or have been in, the same situation.

At the moment I am waiting to hear if my surgeon in France can bring the date forward for surgery; if so then I think my decision will be much easier to make. Will keep you advised.

[Breast Cancer Advice Please]

Thanks Coops (sorry to hear your news too), and great advice from you and NormanH, as always. Will request the ALD from GP. Also contacting my GP to see if he can request an earlier date for treatment in France as would prefer to have treatment in one place if possible.

As I live 150kms away from hospital do you know if you have to travel daily when receiving chemo and radiotherapy?

Thanks for your support.

[Breast Cancer Advice Please]

Mrs Bertiebe here. Help I need advice. Have been diagnosed with grade 2 adenocarcinoma and covered by UCH Rangueil in Toulouse. I waited 16 days for a core biopsy and then next appt. to see consultant was 1 month later for results (15 September). However, in meantime had to return to UK to look after elderly mother for a couple of weeks and after biopsy developed problems with breast and visited A&E. They immediately did a scan and I was told categorically that I had cancer and that the lymph in my arm also effected (this was not scanned in Toulouse). This information I received yesterday so contacted my GP in France to get my biopsy results urgently.

My dilemma the UK are suggesting I need surgery now and they will do it in 2 - 3 weeks time, but of course I live in France and will need Chemo and Radiotherapy so can't really stay in the UK permanently.

My questions/s ; has anyone any experience of cancer treatment at Rangueil?

Has anyone had surgery in UK and then follow-up cancer treatment in France?

Any advice comments welcome as I am afraid my treatment in France will be slower than in the UK - orginally found lump on 26th July, saw consultant 2 August, biopsy 18 Aug, (appt. given for results and follow-up 15 September) - is this everyone elses experience?

Sorry it is war and peace but I am shocked and bewildered at what to do for the best.

[Brown patches on conifers]

We too have the odd brown patch on a very well established conifer.  The rest of the tree is now producing new growth, but the brown branches have no needles left on them at all.

Looked it up on the web and found a site that said extreme weather conditions, wet, cold, dry, windy can effect the trees, and we have certainly had all 4 seasons in one month this winter here in the Pyrenees.

I am hoping the rest of the tree will continue to grow and recover for the summer.

Good luck hope yours will too.

[auto entrepreneur/social security number]

Eventually I was issued with 2 SS numbers.  One given over the phone by RSI (after numerous phone calls, emails, letters etc.), and then another SS number on an estimated bill for cotisations for the last 2 quarters.  The numbers were almost identical but with one number transposed.

I visited RSI again, and my Caisse, and finally got the correct number confirmed, and proved that I had paid my cotisations online thru Net Enterprise.  

I have heard no more, and am hoping that when I pay my cotisations in April for this last quarter I will not receive anymore estimated bills.

I have received my Carte Vitale now and all is up an running, so my advice to anyone is to hang in there and keep writing, ringing and emailing RSI until your SS number is issued.  You should get there in the end.  Good luck.

[EXPLODING GLASS DOOR OF OVEN.]

Hi we had a Whirlpool Glass Oven door explode earlier this year.  We bought the oven from Ikea, and were lucky to have their free extended warranty as the oven was about 18 months old.  Ikea contacted their contracted engineer and he replaced the glass in the door free of charge.

I was a bit disappointed that they didn't replace the whole door, but, touch wood so far so good.

Looking online there seems to be a great many instances of oven doors exploding and various makes too. 

I would contact the shop or supermarket where you bought the item and explain the problem.  Also keep hold of or take photos of the evidence.  Good luck.

[Taxe Professionnelle]

Richard

1. The lady at the tax office helped us complete our forms and on both of them she left the "Timbe a date du service", blank.

2.  Under Section B - little black nox numbered 43, it states that you are an AE and we had to complete box 22 stating that we started as AEs in 2009, but nowhere did we have to state what level or type of tax we are paying.  Under section A1 "Activites exerees" - we had to state the nature of your profession, i.e for me Chambre d'hote.  The other boxes that we completed were different depending again on the nature of your business, sorry.

3.  Text so small because of course it is a Government form and I think they are always like this.

4.  Yep, bureaucratic nonsense, but in my experience it is best to jump thru the hoops if you want to claim any sort of exemption to pay the Govt. money.

5.  No, not much time which is why we panicked and decided to visit the tax office.

Hope this helps.

[Taxe Professionnelle]

Hi Richard

One copy of the form is for your information.  Sorry can't help with filling in the form as each business is different and therefore different boxes need completing.  Bonne chance!

[Taxe Professionnelle]

Hi

Just an update.  I visited the Impot in St Gaudens yesterday and they advised that even as AE's, working from our own home we must fill in this form 1003-PK in order to obtain our exemption from paying TP for the first 3 years.  The nice lady at the tax office said that we would only have to complete the form for this, the first year.  I am assuming once they have this initial information they will get the rest of the info in future from our tax return.  Please note this form must be received by your tax office by 31st December to ensure you receive your exemption!

[Taxe Professionnelle]

We also operate our business from home, but think we still have to complete the Taxe Professionnel form 1003-PK.  I think we will also pop into our local Impot office in St. Gaudens to get complete clarification, as we opted for the simplified tax regime under AE and was led to believe that we would still be exempt from this tax.

Can anyone clarify the definition of "paying the higher rate of tax"?

[Taxe Professionnelle]

Have just found this page on the Auto Entrepreneur website, see link here: http://www.auto-entrepreneur.fr/actualite/91_fxr_tp_jks9ku.php

Translating it using good old Google it looks as though we have to complete and submit this form before 31st December to claim the exemption, see poor translation of the whole document below (I have highlighted the pertinent bits for AEs:

"Business

tax and Auto-entrepreneur: Imposition and Exemption

April 19,

2009

The President of the Republic announced last February 5

removing the business tax as of 2010. The Prime Minister had

indicated that this deletion will only equipment and personal

property. This tax is undoubtedly the most important for

self-entrepreneurs in early activity, and should not be overlooked in

assessing the profitability of your project.

Principles of

Corporate Taxes

The business tax is based:

    *

For all taxpayers, the rental value of property subject to property

tax, that is to say your premises. This value is determined by the

Land Registry.

       

    *

For providers or merchants that carry higher VAT revenue,

respectively 61 000 and € 152 500 €, it also retains the rental

value of equipment used. The self-contractors are not relevant for

this part of the charge because the limits of turnover for this

system are 32 000 € for a service and 80 000 € for a business of

buying and selling.

       

    * For most professions, if revenues

exceed 61 000 € TTC, it also retains 6% of annual VAT revenue as

the tax base. Similarly, self-contractors should not be affected.

On the basis of taxation is applied tax rates set by the

municipality, the county and the region to get the amount of business

tax payable. Therefore, with a taxable equivalent basis, the amount

of business tax may be very different from one municipality to

another.

Exemptions for auto-entrepreneurs are planned:

    * The 1st calendar year of birth in

all cases

       

    *

The first 3 years for self-entrepreneurs who have opted to pay tax

discharge

What are your obligations?

In all

cases, you must file a temporary declaration No. 1003-P before

December 31st of the year of creation of your enterprise. This

statement can include the tax authorities to determine for the next

year the rental value of your local professional.

For

subsequent years, if you do not exceed the thresholds of turnover

determined by your status as a self-employed, you will not have to

file annual return.

With the exception of years of exemption,

the business tax must be paid before December 15. You

will automatically receive a notice of tax administration.

François-Xavier RUAU, Chartered Accountant

www.expert-createur.fr"

Hope this helps.

[Taxe Professionnelle]

We have also received this form today having registered as Auto Entrepreneur in July this year.  I understood that as an AE we were exempt from Taxe Professional for the first 3 years?!  Does anyone know if we have to complete this form, and who we should contact regarding the exemption.

As always thanks to everyone on the forum for their knowledge and assistance.

[auto entrepreneur/social security number]

I too have had a terrible time getting a Social Security number.  I was previously covered by my PACS partner's Social Security number.  I kept contacting my RSI (Midi Pyrenees) and eventually we got a helpful gent on the phone who gave us a verbal Social Security number.  This though not the end of the problems, eventually had to visit RAM Gamex in Toulouse to get registered (looks as though no info is being passed from the Auto Entrepreneur scheme for those of us without Social Security Numbers.  We can pay our cotisations, but get nothing back until it is sorted out!  Still have problems with Social Security number but wont bore you with that.  My recommendation is to keep calling RSI and to send a letter Recommande with Accuse de Reception (Registered letter which has to be signed for), this at least will give you proof of contact.  Good luck I truly sympathise.

Bertiebe's other half.

[French tax - Uk rental income.]

Sunday Driver wrote:

"Are there any early retired armed forces, police, civil service

,teachers or local authority bods on here who pay social charges on

their UK government pension? "

Last year our French tax bill included a large amount for Social Charges even though we had declared as: revenus exonéré pris en compte pour le calcul du taux effectif, however, we took a copy of the Double Tax Agreement between UK and France to our Impot in St Gaudens and the

nice gentleman recalculated our tax and we ended up with a zero amount for Social Charges. 

Haven't received this year's tax confirmation yet but are hoping that the Military Pension will come through as zero rated for Social Charges!

_________________________

www.lereposdumoine.com

[Ryanair at it again]

Interestingly, I had my flight cancelled from Toulouse to Birmingham (also booked and paid for in May), and they could only offer me a flight from Bergerac to Southampton or somewhere else (sorry don't remember) to Manchester, or a refund.  I had no apology and now my refund is £15 less than that charged to my credit card as for some strange reason they have converted the refund to Euros even though it is a UK Credit Card.   The airline, Ryanair?  Easyjet?  no good old Flybe and this was not a particularly cheap ticket.  Seems to me most airlines are much of a muchness!

[Autoentrepreneur - Assurance Maladie]

I registered online as an AE on 1st July, and chose the RAM Midi-Pyrenees for my couveture maladie.  I have received my Siret no. but have not received anyinfo from RAM.  Previously I was covered CMU de base under my partner's Social Security number.  I contacted URSSAF about my social security number and they told me to contact RSI Midi-Pyrenees.  This is almost impossible to do by phone as they are updating their computer system and I sit in a queue for 10 mins. and then get told to call back.

I am unable to email RSI or RAM as they require your social security number in the drop down box, so today have sent an old fashioned letter by post to RSI.

Just wondered has anyone else had this situation (problem with registering with your Organisation Conventionnee or is it just me having a hard time?

Any info advice will be most welcome.

Chris