People who have been receiving and paying for care from 1 April 2011 may be eligible for reimbursement of the fees, including those for care homes, says Wokingham and Reading based Clifton Ingram LLP Solicitors.
The Department of Health has set the deadline of Sunday, 31 March 2013 for individuals or their personal representatives to notify their relevant Primary Care Trust if they believe there was a period of care between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012 where there is evidence that the individual concerned should have been assessed as eligible for NHS Continuing Health Care.
The September 2012 deadline for claims between 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2011 has now passed with many people registering claims before the deadline.
To be eligible for NHS Continuing Health Care the main or ‘primary’ need for care must relate to health. For example, people who are likely to be considered eligible may:
- have a medical condition that requires substantial care and support; or
- need highly specialised nursing support.
Someone nearing the end of their life is also likely to be eligible if they have a rapidly deteriorating condition which may also be terminal.
There are a number of reasons why an original decision to refuse funding may be wrong and as a result, many people are being denied funding despite being eligible. Applying for and challenging decisions in respect of NHS Continuing Health Care is not always an easy process to go through and understand, and specialist advice should be sought.
For more information please contact:
Stephanie Rose, Partner
E:stephanierose@cliftoningram.co.uk
T:0118 952 3562