8663 Free healthcare back on in France

[FONT="Verdana"]Ciao e tutti :smile:

[SIZE="5"][U][SIZE="4"]Recently the rescinding of free healthcare in France was discussed here.[/SIZE][/U][/SIZE]

Very quietly, free healthcare has been re-introduced for all existing residents. My friends, who live in Limosin, have recently had a letter confirming that all extant residents would continue to qualify for free healthcare [I]whether they are economically active or not[/I].

The speculation in France is that there was such a likelyhood of embarrasing & well-organised legal challenges (class action) planned by those affected that avoiding action needed to be taken.

It is cynically suggested that plenty of political brownie points have been made by appearing to be tough on immigrants but quietly climbing will de-fuse most of the potential court cases.

My friends also say the French healthcare system is so good it has to be experienced to be believed.

Just thought you all might be interested :winki:[/FONT]

Category
Legal

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/26/2008 - 06:47

That is interesting Chris, but actually in Italy the same situation exists for any European who has lived in Italy for more than five years. (Maybe also for non Eurpeans who have been in Italy for more than five years, but I don't know).

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/26/2008 - 07:14

[quote=chrisnotton;81310][My friends also say the French healthcare system is so good it has to be experienced to be believed.:[/FONT][/quote]

Having had the pleasure of using the French govt health service in the past, I fully concur. However, both French national and long term British expatriate friends all agree it is no longer anywhere near as good as it was, and many of the services previously automatically available are less readily accessible. The service is slowly starting to feel the pinch. As with the French state schools - that are also suffering quite badly in places where there has been a massive influx of English speakers in recent years - I suspect some hospitals in popular expat areas are experiencing a strain on their resources. And the sudden influx of so many newcomers must in part be responsible for this. A lot of the new arrivals are in an age group requiring regular medical support, some have even moved to France with the sole intention of accessing their once excellent medical facilities. The French aren't stupid, they see this and I'm surprised that Sarko has backed down on a policy change that had a lot of support in many parts of the country. V