U-turn on migrant NHS worker charges

[Toodles McGinty]

Must commend the government on the u-turn on migrant NHS worker's surcharge.

If someone has worked here, has paid NI and tax here, and most of all is on the front line during this pandemic, they certainly shouldn't be paying to use the NHS. Not saying anyone should be able to wander in the country and make use of the facilities, especially if there is no reciprocal system in other countries. But these are exceptional times.

Particular well done to Keir Starmer and MPs from all parties for raising and campaigning on this issue.

[Hamble]

I agree and well done to Keir Starmer who should take most of the credit
for pursuing this.

I like good news.

[dans77b]

Its a good start, but not nearly enough. Why should this exemption be limited to health workers? Why should anybody who pays tax in the UK have to pay again to access healthcare?

[local]

Somebody who is just doing a short contract here and paying taxes won't be contributing much, health tourism is a big and expensive problem.

Still people at the sharp end of health care at the moment deserve a break wherever they come from.

The pressure from within the Conservative Party was I believe the cause of this deserved but expensive volte face.

I welcome it but the Government is spending way beyond our means at the moment.

Someone will have to pay.

[Ceam]

Must commend the government on the u-turn on migrant NHS worker's surcharge.

If someone has worked here, has paid NI and tax here, and most of all is on the front line during this pandemic, they certainly shouldn't be paying to use the NHS. Not saying anyone should be able to wander in the country and make use of the facilities, especially if there is no reciprocal system in other countries. But these are exceptional times.

Particular well done to Keir Starmer and MPs from all parties for raising and campaigning on this issue.

Yeah it was a bit ironic they would have to pay for a service they are keeping going.

[Toodles McGinty]

Its a good start, but not nearly enough. Why should this exemption be limited to health workers? Why should anybody who pays tax in the UK have to pay again to access healthcare?

I know what you mean. I doubt health tourists would come here and go through whatever hoops you have to, to get a job, start that job, then bugger off after receiving treatment for them or their family.

Having said that, I do think you should work here for a certain time before receiving the benefit of living here. I think that's the law anyway.

As you say, paying twice is wrong.

I think the two Tory backbenchers were Roger Gale and Wiliiam Wragg. If they could extend their humanity to try and stop Patel's Immigration Bill, attacking 'low skilled' workers, it would be a huge step forward. Not much chance when we have the likes of Yvette Cooper voting with the government, though.

[susanb]

Friends of mine live in Spain, they pay 104 euros per month for health insurance.

[Alikado]

Somebody who is just doing a short contract here and paying taxes won't be contributing much, health tourism is a big and expensive problem.

Still people at the sharp end of health care at the moment deserve a break wherever they come from.

The pressure from within the Conservative Party was I believe the cause of this deserved but expensive volte face.

I welcome it but the Government is spending way beyond our means at the moment.

Someone will have to pay.

Is it such a problem, when you book in for treatment your details are checked and any ineligibility is flagged up for charging.

https://www.imtj.com/news/uk-governm...-are-debunked/

[Hamble]

Is it such a problem, when you book in for treatment your details are checked and any ineligibility is flagged up for charging.

https://www.imtj.com/news/uk-governm...-are-debunked/

That link is EU health tourism fraud for non medical workers.

It is not the same as none EU medical workers surcharge payment for using the nhs.