Can someone clear this up for us?

[Just Chris]

My wife is convinced that our having an E106 has stymied an earlier possibility of acquiring CMU affiliation.

We arrived in France as early retirees in March this year, having done our homework, and were informed that we should apply for an E106.  This we did, and we each duly applied to the CPAM for our carte vitale, which we now have until 2009.

However, if we had NOT known about the existence of the E106 form, or did not qualify because of non-payment of NI,  could we, on arrival in France, have applied to CPAM for healthcover, declared our income and immediately have begun to make contributions to CMU?   We telephoned the CPAM help line about this, and they were unable (or unwilling) to give us an answer.

We have read that contributions to CMU are based on 8% of income over a certain threshold.  The information was included in a book published by a very prominent group of financial advisers in France. 

We would, given the current changes (which appear to us to penalise E106 holders) have been perfectly willing to make those contributions immediately.  We would then have met the "resident before November 2007" rule.  We're also aware that such CMU contributions are completely separate to the social charges (CRDS + CSG) also payable in addition to income tax.

I know it's a bit late now, but if someone has the definitive answer it would be helpful for peace of mind !

Chris

[BJSLIV]

They would have asked you for a letter from Newcastle stating that you did not qualify for any "E cover" before allowing you to sign up for the CMU.

So you are right. If E cover had not been available you would now be in a better position. However you couldn't have chosen to waive your right to an E106.

Just hope that the on-going talks come up with something that will benefit  E 106 holders.

[cooperlola]

We are in contact with the British Embassy on this point, as they are still negotiating on behalf of current E106 holders, and a further statement is promised.  We are doing our best to get a better outcome than Friday's statement suggests, not least based upon the valid point you make (anybody from a member state which does not issue E106s at all - Ireland for instance - will be OK for a start as they would have joined the CMU immediately upon arrival.)  Do not give up hope yet, we are well aware of the problems that people like you still face.  And those of you who got relief from Friday's statement should not give up on their behalf either!

www.frenchhealthissues.eu

[Just Chris]

So, in effect, the "benefit" from having a cumpulsory E106 has completely backfired and will result in potential PHI costs of several thousand Euros over a three year period until we are eligble for an E121.  Let's hope the E121 rules don't change just as we get there!  Oh, joy!

Well, thanks, BJSLIV & Cooperola, for the information.  We'll keep out fingers crossed....

 

Chris

[hester]

[quote user="cooperlola"]

 We are doing our best to get a better outcome than Friday's statement suggests......do not give up hope yet, we are well aware of the problems that people like you still face.  And those of you who got relief from Friday's statement should not give up on their behalf either!

www.frenchhealthissues.eu [/quote]

Thanks Cooperlola, Hester.

 

[ams]

We were talking to some friends last night that are coming over to sign for a holiday apartment on friday. We told them to ensure that they got the EHIC. They told us that they have them and that they were issued for each adult and each child. The cover is for 4 years. ! Not sure if the information is of any use to you, however it does make my mind consider all sorts of possibilities.

 

ams

[cooperlola]

The date is valueless, without the backup from the issuing country.  If they are just using the apartment for holidays they are fine.  If they come to live here, so long as any E form is valid, they are still OK.  But once they are in the French system, or as the rules stand now - have private healthcare - then they must ensure that they have full European cover also, as the EHIC will not be honoured.  Hence, I suspect, Tony's experience, above - the card itself does not ensure that the country giving any treatment will actually get the money back - even if the card appears to be in date.

[Bertiebe]

Hi Coops

We agree wholeheartedly with Chris n Julie, same position for us, and beginning to wish we had never been eligible for E106 from UK.  Seems as though the same old people are being discriminated against, i.e. those that want to pay their way, meet all the legal requirements etc. etc., only to be stymied at the final hurdle!

We also extend our thanks to you Coops and the whole team for all the hard work, and information provided.  We will keep abreast of the situation and keep lobbying as needs must.

Thanks again.

[Joshua]

Hi Ams

This is only based on my experience so if its wrong it was a mistake by the DWP

When you apply for a E106 you are sent an fresh application form for a new EHIC. This form has an expiry date hand written in, that matchs the date your E106 runs out.

You are asked to surrender your old EHIC and are supplied a pre paid envelop to do that.

The covering letter says your old EHIC cards are no longer valid and will be rejected.

Joshua[:)]

[Panda]

Hi

I know someone who could not get an E106 as she had not been working prior to coming to France, she came over a year ago, her income was below the threshhold so she was entitled to free healthcare and so she is therefore indeed much better off than if she had been working in the UK before she came.

It does seem completly unfair.

Panda