Sustaining services, ensuring fairness: a consultation on migrant access and their financial contribution to NHS provision in England
July 3rd of this year saw the release of the government consultation on migrant access to the NHS via two in two consultations launched by both the Department of Health and the Home Office paving the way for the Immigration Bill.
In essence the government proposes:
- Changing entitlement to access free NHS Care
They propose changing the requirement of being an ‘Ordinary Resident’ (someone living lawfully in the UK for a settled purpose) to those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK (which on average takes five years to achieve). The DoH estimates that this will result in approx. above 700,000 people being no longer entitled to access free NHS Care.
- Institution of health levy
They propose introducing a health levy of at least £200 per year to be paid prior to the issuing of a visa for all temporary migrants from outside the EEA (European Economic Area) to enable access to NHS services.
- Extending current charging policy to include Primary Care
They propose that The Government is also considering ending the free provision of A&E services and emergency GP consultations.
- Implementation of a new registration and tracking system
- Changes to the way money is reclaimed for NHS services provided to EEA nationals.
- Extending access to free NHS care to UK expatriates if they have made at least seven years of national insurance contributions
Alma Mata has objected to these proposals as we believe they would be detrimental to the health and well-being of both individuals and the population as a whole. We have cited ethical, medical, practical, and cost-effectiveness reasons for our objection and have substantiated this with evidence from multiple sources. Please find below our response to the consultation which has been submitted to the Department of Health. We have also responded to the Home Office consultation running in parallel to this. We will continue to work with the Entitlement Working Group in this area and welcome the input of our friends and colleagues, so please do not hesitate to contact us at vp@almamata.org.uk if you would like to be involved.
Alma Mata Reponse to the Government Consultation on Migrant access to the NHS
