NHS Dental Fine

Scousejoe

Hi,


I received a letter today from NHS. Unpaid amount for dental treatment and penalty charge, total £151.30. I phoned up and explained that I have had a HC2 for years, due to low income. The lady explained to me that the HC2 needs to be applied for on a year by year basis and that they only last for a year. I told her I was not aware of this and was very worried as I have had had so much treatment over the years, inc root canal, crowns, etc.


The lady explained that this was the only treatment flagged on my records, but in order to avoid further penalties I should apply for unsolicited BECS ? ( whatever they are, I'm presuming it is to avoid a penalty for each treatment )


My heart sank, as I was not aware of all this. So I'm not sure what to do, but it's worrying me sick.


Presumably they can go back over the years that I haven't been covered and claim that back, which will be thousands! Which I simply don't have. I don't suppose there is any cut off point at which it would be considered historic ? I'm curious to know why it is my only most recent treatment which has been flagged ? I don't think borrowing the money to pay it and crossing my fingers that they won't be back in touch is going to work..

Caz3121

this link states that the certificates are usually valid between 6 months and 5 years...probably best to find your paperwork and see when it ran out...maybe the most recent one is the only treatment not covered
http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HealthCosts/1136.aspx

Londonsu

You will have to apply for a new HC2 certificate was that explained to you

System

Can you get a new predated one?

missapril75

Scousejoe wrote: »

.....I'm curious to know why it is my only most recent treatment which has been flagged ? ....

It's just random. But if, as stated, you had longer coverage, it may just be that the treatment was the only one since expiry.

Scousejoe

No as I say, the HC2 I had , I'd had for years, that's what's worrying me. They only last a year.


And no they can't be back dated...

GlasweJen

The HC2 has the start date and expiry date highlighted on the top right corner of the page, can you check your certificate?

missapril75

Scousejoe wrote: »

No as I say, the HC2 I had , I'd had for years, that's what's worrying me. They only last a year.

As stated in the link provided they can last more than a year.

This surprised me. It may also be that it surprised the person you spoke to and that they were unaware they can last longer.

It may be that yours only lasted a year but "they only last a year" is clearly incorrect advice when an official link says it can be longer. Call centre staff are not always going to be 100% up to date.

And no they can't be back dated...

You might successfully argue no loss to public funds.

So if you had a certificate that lasted for however long and your circumstances were such that you'd have qualified for continuing coverage had you reapplied it might be accepted that there's nothing to repay.

Scousejoe

Missapril, dare I dream !

Unfortunately the link you sent wouldn't open so I couldn't check that, so from what you say there are presumably exceptions ? It was my understanding that if your circumstances don't change then it carried on.

Unfortunately I can't find my certificate, and strangely neither could the lady I spoke to from the NHS, find a record of me having one, but I definitely did have one, but presumably it could be proved that I have produced it on occasion. I was only ever asked to see it once or twice after I first got it and never asked again. This substantiated my opinion that it was ongoing.

Presumably there is a responsibility on the dental practice too see it, if there is any doubt ? Not that I want to blame the practice as they have been great taking care of my dental work.

I asked if I could pay this recent bill in instalments as they don't take payments for less than £50
But I'm wondering if I should just borrow and pay it ? They are saying it has to be paid by 10th Jan.

Any ideas on how to move forward.

tomtontom

No, it is not the responsibility of the dental practice to check your entitlement to free treatment. It is your responsibility to do that. When did you last apply? As others have said, the end date is clearly stated on the certificate, so it is difficult to understand why you thought it was ongoing.

Londonsu

Scousejoe wrote: »

Missapril, dare I dream !

Unfortunately the link you sent wouldn't open so I couldn't check that, so from what you say there are presumably exceptions ? It was my understanding that if your circumstances don't change then it carried on.

Unfortunately I can't find my certificate, and strangely neither could the lady I spoke to from the NHS, find a record of me having one, but I definitely did have one, but presumably it could be proved that I have produced it on occasion. I was only ever asked to see it once or twice after I first got it and never asked again. This substantiated my opinion that it was ongoing.

Presumably there is a responsibility on the dental practice too see it, if there is any doubt ? Not that I want to blame the practice as they have been great taking care of my dental work.

I asked if I could pay this recent bill in instalments as they don't take payments for less than £50
But I'm wondering if I should just borrow and pay it ? They are saying it has to be paid by 10th Jan.

Any ideas on how to move forward.

No it your responsibility to ensure you have the correct exemption,


http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HealthCosts/1558.aspx




When you claim help with NHS dental charges, you are responsible for knowing whether or


not you are entitled and for the declaration you make. If you are not sure you are entitled to


help, you must pay. Ask for a receipt that shows you paid for NHS dental treatment. You may


be able to claim a refund so make sure you keep all receipts (see page 26).


Personally I think its about time the NHS got its act together and started ensuring people who claim entitlement to free treatment or prescriptions have the correct proof