If you rely on this funding, or know someone who does, make sure you don’t miss the assessment deadline. Ed
People who believe they should have an assessment of eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding must apply before new deadlines set by the Department of Health.
NHS Continuing Healthcare is for individuals whose assessed primary need is for health care which is usually provided in a nursing home or similar setting (although this can be in their own homes). When eligibility is agreed, NHS funding provides all of the individual’s assessed needs – including accommodation, if that is part of the overall need.
Why the deadlines?
The deadlines have been introduced because the responsibility for NHS continuing healthcare is moving from Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), and the Department of Health wants to set clear cut-off points for historical cases.
Helen Shields, Executive Director at Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group says: “The announcement of these deadlines introduces a process that enables individuals who should have been assessed from 1 April 2004 onwards to be identified and considered for eligibility as soon as possible.
“These deadlines apply only to previously unassessed periods of care. They have no impact on cases that PCTs have considered or are currently considering for assessment of eligibility.
“But if you’ve never been assessed for NHS continuing healthcare funding since 1 April 2004 and think you may be eligible, then don’t delay – contact our NHS Funded Care Team for further advice.”
The deadlines apply to previously unassessed periods of care, which occurred in the following time periods:
Time Period/Deadline
1st April 2004 – 30th September 2007 (Pre National Framework for NHS CHc): 30th September 2012
1st October 2007 – 31st March 2011 (Post National Framework for NHS CHc): 30th September 2012
1st April 2011 – 31st March 2012: 31st March 2013
Individuals or their representatives, who think they should have been assessed from 1 April 2004 for NHS Continuing Healthcare must apply to the NHS Funded Care Team at NHS Isle of Wight by calling 01983-552470 or e-mailing [email protected] or by writing to NHS Funded Care Team, Ground Floor South Block, St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5TG by the dates specified above.
Retrospective assessments
Retrospective assessments will also be considered for those individuals who have died. Of course, the CCG will require proof that the person requesting the assessment has the right to do so and this is evidenced by original Letters of Administration or Grant of Probate.
Once individuals have contacted their PCT, they will be informed of the process and sent the relevant forms to complete. If appropriate, their case will be considered against the framework applicable for the time period under review.
