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Chris

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  1. Chris

    statins

    I have just read through the posts on statins.  I have always suffered from high bad readings. In spite of regualr exercise in the military and after and careful diet, nothing made any difference.  In France my Dr prescribed simvastatin which worked like dream until I complained about leg 'cramps'.  He immediately prescribed LIPANTHYL - Fenofibrate, which I understand is not one of the statin molecules.  My levels remain within limits.  My diet has not changed ie it remains low fat as much as possible, except when dining out from time to time.  The leg cramps have gone and all seems fine.  I post this in case it may benefit those who would like an alternative to statins to suggest to their Dr. Chris
  2. Deimos,  I reckon that one is/was affiliated to CMU first by holding a E106 and then when that runs out, continuing by making contributions.  We came with E106s, affiliated, got a SS number, attestations and CVs. Then at run out nothing changed except that we started paying.  That seems to suggest that one is 'affiliated' from day 1.  It is certainly logical and, not that politicians concern themselves too much, just. As someone said, it is all speculation yet, but it's difficult to stop thinking about it all. Chris
  3. Hi Pat and Phil, My wife was 60 earlier this month.  I completed the pension claim form and request for E121.  All went OK and handed in to CPAM. But after reading a post earlier here, I could not remember seeing the the dependancy box to tick- it does take some finding and is easily missed.  I rang UK and asked them if they could confirm that I was a dependent - no I was not.  They sent replacement forms, I ticked the box and took them to CPAM and explained that there had been an error and that these were replacement forms, and the first ones should be cancelled.  I expected all sorts of complications because of that ie I had no confidence that they could cope with the 2 lots of almost identical forms in their system! I need not have worried - in due course, we received letters from URSSAF abnd CPAM cancelling my affiliation to the CPAM ( slightly worrying at the time with all the changes going on!!).  But I was reassured, as they were annotated due to coming under wife's affiliation.  We have not long received a new attestation with new security number and just this week received a request for photos for the new cartes vitales. Therefore, it seems that at least here the E121 works for the 'younger' husband.  I am only sorry that others are not getting out of the poo as easily, and I feel so lucky to be in the right situation at the right time.  Hope that helps, Phil and Pat
  4. Chris

    Warfarin

    My 90 year old mother changed from Warfarin to Previscan with no problems, but of course there was a monitoring period to ensure correct dosage.
  5. Chris

    health care

    I wish we could scotch these stupid ideas that it is free healthcare.  We ( those whose who have paid cotisations to URSSAF),  have paid towards our healthcare.  We are not asking for free anything!  We want to continue paying and getting healthcare in return!  It is not free in UK either, unless you cannot pay, as in France!!  Politicians need jumping on generally, but please, please jump on them hard if they continue to misrepresent the problem as Sarko removing free healthcare for Brits below retiring age.  Rant over! Chris
  6. No doubt this is posted somewhere, but it may provide some answers to queries just posed.  Go to the address given for the pdf version and read it for yourself I've just cut and pasted and itlicised some relevant bits - sorry it is long nevertheless.  However, I cannot believe Sarko and his cronies haven't got it all covered before launching the bombshell. Chris DIRECTIVE 2004/38/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 29 April 2004 at http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2004/l_158/l_15820040430en00770123.pdf (17) Enjoyment of permanent residence by Union citizens who have chosen to settle long term in the host Member State would strengthen the feeling of Union citizenship and is a key element in promoting social cohesion, which is one of the fundamental objectives of the Union. A right of permanent residence should therefore be laid down for all Union citizens and their family members who have resided in the host Member State in compliance with the conditions laid down in this Directive during a continuous period of five years without becoming subject to an expulsion measure (18) In order to be a genuine vehicle for integration into the society of the host Member State in which the Union citizen resides, the right of permanent residence, once obtained, should not be subject to any conditions. (20) In accordance with the prohibition of discrimination on grounds of nationality, all Union citizens and their family members residing in a Member State on the basis of this Directive should enjoy, in that Member State, equal treatment with nationals in areas covered by the Treaty, subject to such specific provisions as are expressly provided for in the Treaty and secondary law. but this seems to be be what Sarko's banking on: (21) However, it should be left to the host Member State to decide whether it will grant social assistance during the first three months of residence, or for a longer period in the case of job-seekers, to Union citizens other than those who are workers or self-employed persons or who retain that status or their family members, or maintenance assistance for studies, including vocational training, prior to acquisition of the right of permanent residence, to these same persons. However there is also this ( but what does it mean in practical terms?): (29) This Directive should not affect more favourable national provisions  and this - is this a life saver?: 1. Union citizens who have resided legally for a continuous period of five years in the host Member State shall have the right of permanent residence there. This right shall not be subject to the conditions provided for in Chapter III ( ie health insurance and working or self-employed) Equal Treatment:( this may be a help too) 1. Subject to such specific provisions as are expressly provided for in the Treaty and secondary law, all Union citizens residing on the basis of this Directive in the territory of the host Member State shall enjoy equal treatment with the nationals of that Member State within the scope of the Treaty. The benefit of this right shall be extended to family members who are not nationals of a Member State and who have the right of residence or permanent residence.
  7. Sorry Coops, yes,  forgot that one!- should have known better!  I'll let you get on with all you have to do Chris PS Hope your ankle's getting better! ( No response needed  -  you are too busy!)
  8. Absolutely FIRSTCLASS!  I congratulate all involved Coops seems to be all over this forum and another I dip into - a human dynamo! Just one teeny point.  The site says that I as a 'been here over 5 years inactif under retirement age (male)' have until March 2008 to find an alternative.  Yes, that is the info 'out there' but has anyone actually been told that; I haven't - yet.  I have had no letter yet that shows any change from previous years, except that CPAM annual demand for documents that was more comprehensive than before and on Saturday the 'we haven't had your letter and documents letter' that many have had.  However, that does not diminish the 'expectation' that the changes are afoot, unless intervention from HMG or change of heart from the Fr Govt prevails.  Sorry, I'm waffling, my pont is nothing is definite yet, we await the letters in Nov/Dec I think,  and perhaps the caveat that 'if these proposed changes are promulgated, ....etc   I guess French News and Connexion and any other English newspaper and other Forums eg FrenchEntree.com have all been pressed into publishing your site as well as national newspapers in UK , the Embassy and DWP etc Good luck everyone and fantastic effort Chris
  9. I agree with both Coops and Ron,  except that as this for many 100s of people is another development in this sorry saga, and we are trying to make sense of it.  We remain in a situation where much is still unknown, yet to be decided and there are few facts, and it appears from the ineptitude of the embassy and others we are on our own. It is perhaps not the time to ignore letters such as that of 16 Oct which many  have received.  It is not a good position surely, to assume it is of little consequence or guess that it is bureaucratic inefficiency or a holding tactic.  The truth is we do not know why these letters are being sent out. I am not happy to just wait and see ( but that's just me perhaps)  I am not worrying, but I would like to have an explanation from my CPAM. I have emailed them again this morning and while I cannot guarantee the French, a copy follows for anyone who feels they might do the same. (I have allowed myself a little leeway in the numbers of letters received!)  ...C'est bizarre mais il paraît que  centaines de resortissants Britanniques, partout en France, ont reçu la même lettre - celle datée le 16 oct 2007, disant que leur  CPAM n'a pas recu les documents demandés avant le 17 sep 2007. L'envoie de cette lettre  est peut-être un pépin informatique, et avant que je vous apporte tous les documents demandés et les livrer  en personne, veuillez me confirmer que les documents que je vous ai envoyés le 30 sep 2007, ne sont vraiment pas arrivés.
  10. Well, there seems to be  'something going on' and I agreee that it is a common ploy to deny receipt when stuff gets lost in a 'system'!  As I have said, I emailed CPAM yesterday and I shall ring on Monday.  In case you can pick out any commonality that helps you, as it happens while all this is going on, we are in the process of registering my wife's E121 and my 'ayant droit' from that, as I am not yet 65. Before I received 'The letter' yesterday I had also received a letter from the CPAM stating that my affiliation to the CMU had been cancelled as I shall be 'ayant droit' with effect from 1 Nov.  I have also received a letter from URSSAF stating that from information received, my affiliation to the CMU is cancelled with effect from 30 Sep, and that no more cotisations will be demanded. (Incidentally, my CV still worked as of last Thursday). These letters made sense to me as lining everything up to be 'ayant droit' to my wife's new position in the CMU as an E121 holder, with effect from 1 Nov.  The next step I was told by CPAM was that she will receive a letter asking her to forward photos for a new Carte Vitale Mk2.  We await that with great anticipation., but in the meantime as a result of 'The letter', I shall just have a little chat with CPAM Angouleme to confirm that all is proceeding as expected and ask what 'The letter' is all about!! Chris
  11. Yes Cooperlola I got mine today.  I thought it was just me too What is going on? I emailed CPAM this aftenoon to confirm that I sent them well in time, but as I have pre printed labels to URSSAF and CPAM, I thought I might have sent the documents to the URSSAF in error.  Having seen your post, perhaps not!! I think this turn of events is possibly significant.  I cannot believe that it is coincidence that we are getting letters saying CPAMs have not received stuff we have sent to them on time. Anyone receiving this letter should post so that we can see the scale of it.  It smells to me! Chris
  12. Ian No I don't, and in fact I was posting from the angle of early retired Brits in France are not unique as there are  natives who do it and there is a mechanism to keep contributing to state health cover after early retirement, though I grant you, my friends' solution may well be stretching the rules.  I would doubt that the regulations are so sewn up that there is a link between any CAP benefits and healthcare benefits; one being EU and the other national. I am not subscribing to looking for 'scams' nor was I making any comment on those, native or others, who do. When someone has decided what the new regulations are to be,  then is the time to look at them carefully vis à vis equality with French nationals, assuming they are conform to existing EU law.  It seems to me that now is the time, as is happening by all the regular stalwarts of this forum,  to gather all known information, note whether it is fact or hearsay, and be sure that we know what questions to ask.  I also agree with the general consensus which appears to be emerging that HMG should not be allowed to escape scotfree from this mess, for it only toed the line and behaved like its partners Holland and Germany, we would not have been thrown into this position in the first instance..
  13. Just to add to growing informal info on French early retirees.  It is always difficult aking these personal questions, however my friends were 'agriculteurs'.  They made payments to their agriculteirs organisation which deals with health cover - as you may know, all occupations, including professions liberales etc, have similar organisations.  So, they are not strictly 'in' the CMU as we Brits and others are as they do not pay their cotisations to the CPAM via URSSAF.  However, in effect they are covered by the state for health, but cotisent in a different way, the amount they paid was in relation to the amount of land 'farmed'.  'She' was his 'ayant droit'.  Anyway,  'He' retred early but kept the minimum amount of land to maintain the title of agriculteur, and so continue making the minimum payments to keep their health cover.  Hope that helps a bit. Chris
  14. My wife submitted her E121 recently.  In order only to confirm that parts of the CMU 'system' continues unchanged, I let you know that I have received this morning a letter from Angouleme CPAM stating that I am 'ayant droit' from my wife's entitlement,  and that my "..cotisation cesse d'être due:30.9.07".  My wife, it states "elle même retraitée de la caisse anglaise au 1.11.07 Interestingly the letter is headed: "AVIS DE RADIATION DE LA CMU DE BASE SOUS CRITERE DE RESIDENCE.  ie 'residence' is still in there as a factor.  We have been here 7 years contributing and paying all taxes.  If it counts for us and E121etc , it might be there for others in different situations. Conscious of much worry and discussion but few hard facts and real information, I post this little snippet as hard fact which might or might not be helpful to others and the quest for justice.  I realise that our situation may not be representative of many others, but as CPAMs seem to have wide discretionary powers, our example may help someone. Chris
  15. AliCat's response has now thrown me completely.  I understood, confirmed a few weeks ago by my French advisor, the following:CMU de Base Pour bénéficier de la C.M.U. de base, vous devez être en situation régulière, résider en France de manière stable depuis au moins trois mois et n'être pas déjà couvert par un autre régime obligatoire de Sécurité sociale. La C.M.U. de base n'est pas attribuée sous conditions de ressources, mais une cotisation vous sera demandée si vos revenus dépassent un certain plafond. CMU = Universal Health Cover:  So I do not understand why your single unemployed Frenchman cannot get health care cover. He will not have to pay if his earnings are below a certain level. La C.M.U. complémentaireLa C.M.U. complémentaire possède tous les avantages d'une protection complémentaire ; avec, en plus, la gratuité et la dispense d'avance de frais chez tous les professionnels de santé pour vos soins remboursables. Pour en bénéficier, vous devez habiter en France depuis plus de trois mois, être en situation régulière, et le revenu mensuel de votre foyer ne doit pas dépasser pas un certain montant. Again no matter how poor, even the 'top up', paid for normally by a complementary 'Mutuelle' , is available to your poor single Frenchman. 2."- le ressortissant ayant acquis un droit au séjour permanent en France ne peut plus le perdre s'il cesse de remplir les conditions prévues au chapitre précédent, notamment s'agissant des conditions de ressources et de l'obligation de disposer d'une assurance maladie..."   In summary, surely this says that after 5 years residence,  even if you no longer fulfill the sufficient resources and health insurance criteria, you  can't lose his right to live here.  It does not say that you can join the CMU, and so it's up to you whether you buy private health insurance. The 5 year thing is comforting , but does not (yet) assure continued eligibility to contribute to the CMU, does it? Being a French national could be more useful, but needs looking at. 
  16. OK,   another avenue to consider for those who have been here for 5 years and over, is applying for French nationality, given one can satisfy the requirements of course.
  17. I asked the other day elsewhere in this forum if anyone knows what the position is for French early retirees vis à vis being able to contribute to enter CMU de base.  If it is different from that which some find themselves, subject to clarification from the French government, then it is clearly discrimination contrary to EU law - ( I quoted it somewhere - really am getting lost in this forum, but am much comforted that so many people are doing all they can to help others)  I think my first post was along the lines of:  'if a French early retiree or inactif(ve) can continue to enjoy healthcover, EU migrants must too'.
  18. I just had a quick delve into the archives and found this: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&numdoc=61979J0110&lg=en The case is not related to health, but pensions.  However, the priciple established was: 2 . ARTICLES 1 ( A ) AND 3 OF REGULATION NO 1408/71 MUST BE INTERPRETED AS MEANING THAT IT IS FOR THE LEGISLATURE OF EACH MEMBER STATE TO LAY DOWN THE CONDITIONS CREATING THE RIGHT OR THE OBLIGATION TO BECOME AFFILIATED TO A SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME OR TO A PARTICULAR BRANCH UNDER SUCH A SCHEME PROVIDED ALWAYS THAT IN THIS CONNEXION THERE IS NO DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN NATIONALS OF THE HOST STATE AND NATIONALS OF THE OTHER MEMBER STATES . It begs the question if anyone knows the answer, what is the position of a French national who decides he can live on his savings, or wins the lottery at 55 and decides to pack-in work.  Will he no longer be covered for health? Does he have to join the CMU once his cotisations from his salary stop? Is he allowed to take out private medical insurance that as yet does not exist and was for him illegal? Obviously, if there is a difference in how he is treated by the system, then surely there is a case for discrimination isn't there?
  19. Yes OK Cooperlola, I'll give you that one! But my general observation is that the E106 will not be worth much in the future to many 'resortissants' unless their arrival is carefully timed. Just to put all this into bit of context - Sarko's push to stop French people retiring early etc.  Our son in law works for SNCF and they retire at 55, much to the pique of those who have to work to 65.  They are perceived to be very well off. However, it is not widely known, or is ignored, that SNCF workers pay higher social securit charges than the rest and when they retire, they receive less too.  This is probably the same for civil servants and others who retire at 55. So while sorting out the domestic irritant of early retirees, it is not surprising that having foreigners on their soil in similar situations must be seen as a sore point and has to tackled too. It's raining again!
  20. No, I think for all intents and purposes it is dead in the water.  The new decree says that if you are coming to France private  insurance is the only medical insurance available.  If during the 2 years of E106 'cover' serious medical problems arise as we have heard from other posters, getting private cover will I expect be difficult. ' to get started in France'  what does that mean - get started at what?  One has to come here ready to hit the ground running as far as health cover is concerned.  I can see no reason to have an E106 ( OK, it's 2 years 'free' entry to CMU then after that you are thrown out possible with nowhere to go!) 
  21. The E106 is now reundant.  Those still benefitting from it have 6 months to get insurance.  Those intending coming to France have to have insurance.  So, what is the value of the E106?
  22. Danny, thanks for your reply,  I didn't think I was confused, but parhaps shortened my discussion too much.  I understand CMU.  From an earlier discussion in another post, I believed that it was established (possibly by Will) that running a  holiday cottage letting business (my definition),  is not considered a business activity.   Clearly your business is.  If that is not so,  anyone letting a cottage, making a few bob a year can register and pay the social charges, and all is well.  I did not understand that to be the case and I shall be delighted to be told I am wrong.
  23. Will and Jane, I read the earlier discussions elewhere on registering etc and while I might have misunderstood, Yes one can register, and some cases as you describe, must register, but even having a "business" does not bring entitlement to join the CMU. ie it does not bring  self-employed status as afar as the state is concerned.  I was looking at it from a 'joining the CMU' perspective rather than strictly complying with registering business regulations. I think it was Will who advised on that, but I was a forum virgin back then (last week!) and may have got it all wrong!
  24. Aly said: From what I could make out the forum members seem to think that foreigners don't contribute at all rather than pay cotisations based on their (unearned) income. In fact, one of them points out that 8% of 0 is 0, so as usual some one's got hold of the wrong end of the stick. (I wish I knew how to do that quote thing with a grey/mauve background all you experienced posters seem to manage!!) Anyway, I think the point he/she is making that 8% of 0 declared to the Fisc is 0.  And this is the result, from anecdotal evidence, that some swindling Brits, playing the system, have caused or certainly helped prompt this problem we all face.  The frustrating thing is that if the authorities would only accept  that many of us who run profitable gite enterprises or B&Bs, and work hard at it, would be happy to be considered as 'businesses' and pay whatever dues are required. Having followed all these dicussions for days now, and recovered from vertigo, I reckon France has done nothing wrong - yes, communication in large organisations can always be criticised, but in what matters, the proposals as far as we can tell, appear reasonable.  It is trying to get into line with EU law. I am becoming more and more persuaded that the real blame lies with our own government in not falling into line with common sense and spirit, if not the letter of EU law, and do as the Germans and Dutch do to ensure their citizens are protected in another EU country.  As always we are just pawns in a sordid game of politics being played by Westminster.  France will soon take presidency of the EU, so wait for some fun and games again as agriculture, economics and defence take centre stage.  I have yet to come across an MP who will take a battle he is unlikely to win.  I've had some experience with senior civil servants, and have yet to come across one  who won't run a mile and poke his own eyes out before making a decision - "... the trouble with you bl**dy army officers is that you always want to make decisions!'  Therefore, I will not hold my breath waiting for help from the UK government.  We have to face it, we are in a pickle and there may well be casualties, if the French government does not look again sympathetically at those who are already here, doing everything required, and expected, of a European citizen guest.  I agree with others findings, and in all our dealings over the past 8 years, we have been shown nothing but understanding and real friendship. No doubt speaking French is a help, and entering into 'the spirit of things' wherever possible is always appreciated.  French people do not have a monoply on ignorance, and in my experience, are ready to say '....tiens! Je ne savais pas....'   Sorry this is a bit long! Chris
  25. A forum is an opportunity to whinge, if that's what people want to do.  I haven't actually seen any 'whingeing'. Having read many of the posts, including yours,  folk are trying to gather information in a situation that is alarming and has been sprung on them.  The more that are searching every avenue for info and help, the better.  This forum is a place where it can all be shared and perhaps in the end a way forward or group action can be organised.  You never know, even your approach to an MEP may yeild something which you may wish to share.  I suspect at the moment that any response will not be very illuminating. The time to get off backsides is approaching, but let's all do it together once we know where we're going.
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