walsden

Thank you both Clair and Cooperlola. I did try the freephone number at first, it was they who told me that the form couldn't be sent to my husband Our maire is very helpful so I think it's a good idea to try him first and maybe he can advise me if there's a social security rep. With regard to applying again for the TPN, it seems it's definitely my husband who needs to apply as he's the electricity account holder. But without their application form you can't apply, and it's not as though you can download one from the web. There isn't even a space on the form to put the applicant's name - the one they send is pre-printed with a barcode and all you have to fill in is details of electricity account and meter reading. I received another TPN application form (presumably generated by my call to the helpline) in the post this morning - yet again in my name. I presume they assumed I would want to go ahead and change the electricity account name and would re-apply for TPN. If I get anywhere with this I'll update this thread so that anyone in the same situation will know! Thanks again.

I recently received an application form for TPN from our electricity supplier (Séolis) which I duly completed and returned. I received a refusal today because (a) the electricty account is not in my name (it's in my husband's) and (b) our supply rating is not eligible for the TPN (it's 12kVa). I thought, okay, I'd already read that the mediator had recommended that supplies exceeding 9kVa should not be excluded from benefitting from this tarif, so I reasoned all I would have to do is get my husband to make the application instead. Experience should have taught me that life is not that simple! I phoned the TPN helpline, who told me that they can't send an application form to my husband, as their process is triggered by their receipt of details from CPAM, which in turn is generated by a successful application for CMU-C. Therein lies our problem. We have CMU-C cover, but it was I who made the application for it rather than my husband (it's a long story but basically it was I who had the original E106 many years ago). My husband has cover too but as a dependant under my number. Séolis have said that they could change the electricity account to include my name, but we would have to terminate our existing account and reapply for a new one, with all that it entails, and it would cost us over €25. I'm reluctant do do this because I'm not sure whether Séolis have accepted the mediator's recommendation on the supply limit (I know EDF have) so it might just be money down the drain which I can ill afford. The law states that: "Les organismes d'assurance maladie communiquent aux distributeurs d'électricité ou à un organisme agissant pour leur compte les prénoms, noms et adresses de leurs ressortissants remplissant la condition de ressources prévue à l'article 1er ainsi que le nombre de personnes du foyer tel que défini à l'article R. 861-2 du code de la sécurité sociale. " So can anyone tell me what details the CPAM sends to the elctricity supplier? i.e. would they also have sent details of my husband's cover? Does anyone have a similar experience or any ideas where I go from here?

B It sounds as though you would be in the CMU and not CPAM after 7 years - I assume you are not working and below UK state retirement age?  Don't confuse the two regimes... CPAM is the primary caisse who administer health care for workers and people on E106s (among others), and you can affiliate directly to CPAM if you fall into one of these categories. They also administer the CMU which is the couverture maladie universelle for those who, like 'inactifs' have no other rights of affiliation, and you can affiliate directly to the CMU. This is probably what you would have affiliated to after your CPAM cover finished when your E106 expired. If you were already in the CMU as at 23rd November 2007 you will be allowed to stay in. They haven't actually said this, but I would think you should not need to do anything to stay in unless your local CPAM contact you. If you are indeed in CPAM you will not be allowed to join the CMU without proving your 5 year residence. According to the ameli.fr website you will need to fill in an application form to join - it is not automatic. Hope this helps.

Thank you Sunday Driver - that's helpful to know. I just thought I could automatically claim CMU if I had a micro-bic, but your reply makes it clear this isn't the case.  Can anyone advise on how to register a business? Sorry if this seems a bit dumb. There's lots of information out there for running a business but I'm not sure how to start one. I know I've left it late but I never thought it would come to this [:(]

I understand that if I become self-employed when my E106 expires, I would be able to join the CMU. Do I have to register with the CCI to run a business under the micro-bic regime? Or do I just declare it on my personal tax returns?

[quote user="Ron Avery"] If that is the case then the letter is accurate.  But have these people been refused treatment or has their CPAM refused to pay for it and on what grounds?  As people with E 106s have not been excluded as yet (unless some have expired between 30/09/07 and now) and people already in the CMU have at least until 31/03/08, on what grounds can any doctor, hospital etc have refused treatment?  Have any CPAMs actually withdrawn healthcare rights from people?  I know some CPAMs acted very quickly originally in siezing a few CVs but all later had to comply at least with the extension to March 2008.  My sole concern is that if that statement was to be thought inaccurate by the French Minister, as it forms part of what is an otherwise excellent and balanced statement of the case for membership of the CMU for all on the grounds of residency, any inaccuracies could be siezed on and could undermine the overall value of the letter. [/quote] Ron, you may not agree with the letter but please don't belittle the efforts of those who have worked so hard campaigning (on behalf of ALL). Nobody is forcing you to sign the letter. I find your suggestion that it is inaccurate and that the overall value could be undermined is insulting to both those who have written it and those who have signed it.  

[quote user="Russethouse"]On the other hand surely when/if the authorities come up with the 'solution' we all think/hope they are going to - if you were in the CMU you stay in the CMU, surely there is a firmer argument for equality. There would be definite items in French regulations to sight........just my two penneth - I well understand the other view.[/quote] The keyword here being "when/if".... Yes indeed, there would be a firmer argument for equality - however that would be ANOTHER argument, and wouldn't invalidate any existing arguments.

[quote user="poleta"]Again, well put makfai. As yet there is no real evidence that any concessions have been made. As far as "rocking the boat" goes - usually there has to be a boat to rock! I also would like to know if FHI support Ron Avery's stance (there is no indication of this on their web site).[/quote] From looking at the FHI website, it would seem that they are actively urging everyone to lobby. I don't see anywhere that they are encouraging anyone to wait and see. As far as I know, no concessions have been made to anyone currently in the CMU, and if we're still in this situation in March, I wonder how many people will be advocating not rocking the boat then? Aren't we all supposed to be on the same side?