FRENCH HEALTHCARE SCARE OVER FOR CURRENT EXPATS

3.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 1st Feb 2008

A local Euro-MP has welcomed the French government's decision not to deny free healthcare to UK citizens who have retired early to France. It was estimated that some 7000 Britons could have been affected by the changes, which were first announced six months ago.

Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne was alerted to the French authorities' threat when a number of former constituents, who had been told of the withdrawal of service by post in September, got in touch to see if she could help.

A campaign was started in the European Parliament, with Liberal Democrats asking for the European Commission to take action as well as co-tabling a Written Declaration in the parliament to raise awareness of the issue.

Speaking today Liz, who campaigns on health issues in the European Parliament, said:

"I was stunned to hear of the French government's plans to withdraw healthcare provisions for certain foreign residents and so not surprised that some twenty former constituents contacted me for help. The retrospective withdrawal of services for those already living there would have gone against everything the EU is trying to achieve in terms of freedom of movement, residency and reciprocal agreements in healthcare.

"Although the new rules will still apply to people retiring early to France in the future, I am heartened that the French authorities have now heeded our calls and conceded defeat on withdrawing healthcare for existing residents. This will at least ensure that my former constituents will not have their vital healthcare services withdrawn and put an end to the recent period of uncertainty and financial worry."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

According to 2006 Foreign Office figures, some 202,000 British passport holders live in France.

EU citizens who are in paid work, entitled to full benefits or a state pension have an ongoing right to French state healthcare and were not threatened by the rule changes.

However, the new rules apply to residents classified as 'inactive' who have not reached retirement age, who have arrived since the 23rd of November 2007.

The French government's concession, not to apply the new rules retroactively, means that an estimated 6000-7500 existing British residents do still have a right to French state healthcare.

The Written Declaration co-authored by Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament and signed by Liz Lynne is as follows:

0090/2007 - Written declaration on health care provision for European citizens residing in another Member State

The European Parliament,

A. whereas EU law upholds the right to freedom of movement and freedom of residence across the European Union,

B. whereas access to health care is of fundamental importance to all citizens,

1. Recognises the fundamental principle of reciprocity of health care provision across the European Union;

2. Expresses grave concern that some EU citizens not born in France but legally resident there are being denied state health care provision despite paying all relevant taxes;

3. Recognises that private health care may not be available or affordable for citizens with disabilities or those with existing conditions;

4. Calls on Member States to uphold the principle of reciprocity of health care provision; further calls on Member States not to make changes to health care provision that will deny EU citizens who are non-nationals access to state health care;

5. Calls on the European Commission to undertake a review of the manner in which Member States generally are operating the principal of reciprocity of health care provision to ensure that all Member States are complying with their obligations under the Treaties in this regard;