French Health Issues
Lobbying for your healthcare rights in France and the EU
French Health Issues (FHI) are a group of volunteers, who became united by a common goal – to persuade the French authorities to reverse the changes, announced in 2007, in residency status and healthcare provision for early-retired "inactifs".
To this end we undertook intense lobbying at both National and EU level, and with the help of many people who became supportive and committed campaigners, we were highly successful. In January 2008 the Government rescinded the proposed changes for existing residents who were living legally in France prior to 23rd November 2007.
However, new rules continue to apply for new residents, in accordance with EU law, and the position for some residents, (for example anyone whose form E121 may be withdrawn following the current UK review of incapacity benefits), remains unclear.
Whilst we have helped in achieving a great success for those residents who were here before November '07, the situation remains difficult for newcomers. We would have liked to have continued lobbying on their behalf but have found less and less enthusiasm for furthering this cause. What is more, our dwindling number of helpers, and the return of two of our founders to the UK plus the continued hospitalisation of a third following a road accident, has meant that we are unable to carry on as before.
We are very proud of our achievements, and regret that we were unable to continue our efforts, but we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped us to achieve so much in what was a relatively short space of time.
Best wishes for your future in France, whatever it may hold.
The FHI Team.
