Extended deadline for people to claim for continuing healthcare funding

The deadline for people to make a claim if they believe their ongoing care should have been funded by the Welsh NHS is being extended, the Welsh Government announced today.

Continuing healthcare is a package of care paid for by the NHS for people with complex needs which are primarily health-based. The care may be provided in a care setting or in an individual’s own home.

Under new arrangements for making retrospective claims, claimants have until October 31 to register their intent with their health board to claim for continuing healthcare costs incurred between August 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014.

All health boards are able to provide free advice to people who want to make a claim and they will also complete any necessary work on their behalf. The intention is for all claims to be reviewed within 12 months of submission.

This is not a legal process and there is no requirement for people to appoint a solicitor. However, if a solicitor is used, those costs cannot be reimbursed.

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford said:

“There are occasions when people need long-term care to help them cope with an illness or disability. Some people will have paid for that care themselves when perhaps it should have been provided by the NHS.

“If people or their families believe they meet the criteria for having their care paid for via continuing healthcare but they paid for the care themselves, I would urge them to contact their health board without delay.

“The Welsh NHS will provide advice to claimants and will complete all of the work required to review their case free of charge.”

“We have taken the decision to extend the deadline to make sure people have the time to consider whether they want to come forward and make a claim.”

Information about where people can get further advice is available from health boards. People who want to register their intent to make a claim should contact their health board.