Got a bill from NHS Hospital after giving birth

i-CONICA

Hi,

I'm posting on behalf of my partner. Recently she gave birth to our son, and now she's gotten a bill for several thousand pounds from the hospital.

She's a stay at home mum and is in receipt of income support.

As this is the NHS, not private, why on earth have they sent her an invoice? What should we do about it?

Thank you.

intranicity

What is the bill for, are you a British citizen?

Butti

The NHS is free at the point of delivery. So...have a look at what it is. Is it telephone charges or TV charges or something like that? Query it with the hospital (in writing if necessary). If you are a british citizen and you don't get any joy I would take it up with your MP.

B

DebtFreedom_2

Hi there. It's all to do with entitlement to NHS care. All you need to do is talk to the Trust, explain your situation and provide them with evidence of income support. The NHS are trying to deal with health tourists, which is why this has happened.

Superbiatch

Each hospital has a PALS team (patient liaison), they're your first port of call - probably just a mix up and congratulations by the way :T

i-CONICA

Hi, Superbiatch. Thanks.

It says:
£2255.00 for
1x booking appt = £154.00
1x delivery with consultant = £2,101.00

We are British citizens yes.

So am I right in thinking that the bottom line is that we don't owe anything? And that the letter is just to prevent health tourists getting free healthcare? And that it's just a case of providing evidence that she is in receipt of income support and is a British citizen?

Thanks for all the replies so far.
Regards,

Superbiatch

i-CONICA wrote: »

So am I right in thinking that the bottom line is that we don't owe anything? And that the letter is just to prevent health tourists getting free healthcare? And that it's just a case of providing evidence that she is in receipt of income support and is a British citizen?

I really wouldn't like to say, I'd query it with the trust themselves and see how you get on. You didn't go private did you by any chance?

i-CONICA

Nope, didn't go private...

:S

RAS

i-CONICA wrote: »

We are British citizens yes.

So am I right in thinking that the bottom line is that we don't owe anything? And that the letter is just to prevent health tourists getting free healthcare? And that it's just a case of providing evidence that she is in receipt of income support and is a British citizen?

Thanks for all the replies so far.
Regards,

This is not the issue. For benefits you have to pass the habitual residence test. I assume that use something similiar for health. Have you lived abroad in the last three years?

i-CONICA

Never lived abroad. She's never been abroad, no passport.

RAS

In that case, ring them up - it may be that they have attached someone else's bill to your name?