The story so far, as we understand it (put together by Cooperlola, thanks Coops )
LAST UPDATED 27.1.2008 (changes in red)
THE EARLY RETIRED
Anybody who has an E121 is unaffected. However, should your E121 have been issued as a result of your being in receipt of Incapacity benefits from the UK, and you should lose this at any time in the future, the situation remains unclear, but is under investigation at present. It is likely that, if resident since 23rd November 2007, you will be allowed CMU entry, but this is yet to be fully confirmed.Anybody arriving in France with an E106, or anybody currently on an E106, will benefit from state healthcare for the duration of the validity of their E106.
In a complete turn-around from the previous position, the French health minister has now agreed that anybody who was legally resident in France on 23rd November 2007, will be allowed access to CMU, on expiry of their E106.
The method by which entry is gained is unclear, as no official instructions have yet been issued to CPAMs. Once again, this is the subject of clarification, and may take some time to be finalised.
For those who arrived after this date, once their E106 cover expires they will lose all entitlement to state healthcare in France. They will then have to take out full private health insurance, to cover them until UK state pensionable age and/or receipt of an E121.
This insurance must comply with the French specifications, detailed here: http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/WAspad/UnArticleDeCode?code=CSECSOCL.rcv&art=L321-1
Anybody arriving in France without an E106 will have to take out private insurance immediately.
French insurance companies are beginning to offer full health care packages.
To keep up to date with current news, and for information about the current appeals procedures for CMU entry for the early-retired non-French EU citizen, please visit: www.frenchhealthissues.eu
FRENCH RESIDENCY
After 5 years permanent, legal and uninterrupted residence, guaranteed entry into the appropriate section of the French healthcare system.
EMPLOYED
If you are employed, and pay the appropriate cotisations, then you can enter or remain in the French system and will enjoy the same rights as a French national, similarly employed.
BUSINESS
If you run a registered business, and are paying cotisations, you can enter or remain in the French system and will enjoy the same rights as a French national running a similar business.
SIGNING ON
There is potential to "sign on" as unemployed in France. After a period of time, this may qualify you for benefits through the French system (CMU) However, this is dependent upon financial and employment status so may be of limited interest.
If anyone has further clarification on any of the above, please PM Cooperlola, or any of the mods, and we will amend the text above.
Cathy
Last updated 05/11/07
Thanks Clair!
The fluid situation is pretty tough to summarise in a few paragraphs so anybody needing to know more certainly has to do a bit more research - particularly those contemplating a move here in the future.
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