Deadline approaching for people to claim for their care

People who believe their care should have been funded by the NHS, are being encouraged by the Welsh Government to register their intent to make a claim.

Continuing NHS Healthcare is a package of care provided free-of-charge by the NHS for those people with complex and primarily health-based needs. This can be provided in a care home or an individual’s own home.

People who think they, or someone they care for, may have been eligible for Continuing NHS Healthcare but paid for all, or part, of their care can submit a claim.

Potential claimants have until October 31st to register their intent to make a claim for continuing healthcare costs which were incurred between 1 October 2014 and 30 October 2015.

The NHS will provide advice to claimants and will complete all of the work required to review their case free of charge. This is not a legal process and there is no requirement for people to appoint a solicitor. However, if a solicitor is used, these costs cannot be reimbursed.

All claims will be reviewed within 6 months of the NHS having all the information that it needs. A publicity campaign to promote the cut-off date, together with information about where people can get further advice is also being launched.

Minister for Social Services and Public Health, Rebecca Evans, said:

“People with an illness or disability can sometimes need long-term care to help them, and their families, manage. Some people will have paid for that care themselves, when it should have been provided free by the NHS.

“If people, or their families, believe they meet the criteria for having their care paid for through Continuing NHS Healthcare, but they paid for the care themselves, I encourage them to come forward to make a claim.

“Health boards will provide free advice to anybody looking to make a claim and will also complete the necessary paper work on their behalf.”