Could I qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare?
Am I sick or ill enough to get NHS Continuing Healthcare funding? This is the question that most people want to be answered in a more straightforward way. NHS Continuing Healthcare can be a very complex system. The qualifying factor is whether you have a ‘primary health need’ which often doesn’t make the situation any clearer for individuals. A primary health need is simply an area of your health that needs support. This could be mobility issues, dementia, Parkinson’s stroke, cancer or a cognitive impairment to name but a few. You can read our fact sheet on primary health needs here.
Does my diagnosis matter with NHS Continuing Healthcare?
No. The classification of a primary health need has nothing to do with a diagnosis. Whether you have not been diagnosed, or have a condition that people don’t consider ‘serious’ enough shouldn’t impact on your chances of being considered eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding to pay for your care fees.
How your health manifests itself is what gets the focus. That means, if you need support for a specific health need (or needs) then you could qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare. If you have that primary health need then yes, you can be considered ‘sick’ enough to warrant fully funded care.
How sick do I have to be so that I am assessed for NHS Continuing Healthcare?
It is not about being sick or ill. Prognosis or diagnosis should have no bearing on your overall likelihood to qualify – however, people who are terminally ill may be fast-tracked so that their condition is assessed quickly due to the time sensitive manner of their circumstances. Anyone can request an NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment – and even if you are found ineligible, you may appeal that decision. Furthermore, the decision isn’t a permanent one. If your health needs change or deteriorate, you may be assessed again for NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Health needs can fluctuate so even if you don’t qualify right now for NHS Continuing Healthcare then you could down the line. Everyone though is entitled to the assessment, and you also have the right to be present at each stage of the NHS Continuing Healthcare process. This shouldn’t happen behind closed doors without your involvement. You and your family should be there, it’s best for your chances to have as much involvement as possible.
Just Caring Legal can answer your questions on NHS Continuing Healthcare.
Just Caring Legal is a solicitors’ firm specialising in NHS Continuing Healthcare. This is Rosalind’s area of expertise. For years, she has helped families to get the access to the funding that they are entitled to. This is an area of law that Rosalind knows inside out.
Each individual has their own unique presentation and the family are best served to give their unique perspective on the nature and extent of their health needs. No two people are ever the same in how their needs are met.
If you still have questions about the NHS Continuing Healthcare funding process then you can speak with Rosalind today. Call us now on 0191 556 1078 for bespoke and tailored advice or email us at [email protected]