Euro-Quiz into Pensioner's Rights (St Ives Liberal Democrats)

Euro-Quiz into Pensioner's Rights

October 29, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by Sir Graham Watson MEP

Graham Watson MEP An elderly couple from Dorset have sparked a European Commission enquiry into the medical rights of UK pensioners in Spain, after they were repeatedly denied the free prescriptions to which they were entitled.

The pensioners were asked for extra paperwork to prove their entitlement, which they could not provide. Upon returning to the UK, they contacted their local MEP Graham Watson, who asked Euro-Chiefs to investigate.

Mr Watson said;

"The EU has made sure that EU citizens have the same medical rights as locals wherever they go in Europe.

"However, my constituent's experience suggests that the Spanish authorities are not respecting these rights."

The European Commission seems to agree, and have told the MEP that they are now looking into Spanish practices.

Mr Watson was pleased at the news;

"I am delighted that the Commission is taking action on behalf of my constituents and the millions of Brits who visit Spain every year."

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

Following the principles in Regulation No 1408/71 on the application of social security systems to individuals moving within the EC, UK pensioners are entitled to free prescriptions in Spain. Although European Health Insurance Cards carry the date of birth of the holder, the Spanish Authorities request additional proof that the individual in question is of pensionable age. They specify an officially translated and stamped document from the competent health authorities. The UK does not readily supply such documents, causing difficulties to UK pensioners trying to access free prescriptions in Spain.

Graham Watson tabled the following Written Parliamentary Question to the European Commission on behalf of his constituents;

"EEA pensioners are entitled to claim refunds for the costs of prescriptions when in Spain. However, they must be able to prove that they are indeed a pensioner, and the Spanish pharmacists require officially translated and stamped documents confirming that British nationals are in receipt of a UK state pension. The Spanish authorities have provided a standard form for citizens of many Member States to have the document suitably endorsed by their home Member State. However, it appears that no similar document exists for the UK.

The UK Department for Work and Pensions, which administers UK State pensions, suggests citizens use their European Health Insurance Card which displays the citizen's age, or produce their annual pension statement provided by the Department. However, these documents appear not to be sufficient for the Spanish authorities.

For UK pensioners it is therefore extremely difficult to effectively access the benefits the scheme should offer all citizens, and many can only utilise their rights by making a claim for a refund when they return from a trip via the UK authorities.

Is the Commission aware of these difficulties? What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that UK pensioners can fully utilise their access to healthcare services whilst visiting Spain?"

He subsequently received the following reply;

E-4403/09EN

Answer given by Mr Špidla

on behalf of the Commission

(21.10.2009)

"The Commission is aware of the difficulties European Economic Area (EEA) pensioners face in obtaining access to free medication in Spain and of the fact that the Spanish authorities require them to present an officially translated document issued by their competent health authorities certifying their status as pensioners.

It takes the view that this practice is contrary to Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 and discriminates against EEA pensioners on holiday in Spain. Moreover, it considers that the requirement to present a supplementary document is not consistent with the principles of the European Health Insurance Card, which aims to simplify procedures and reduce red tape for people travelling around Europe.

The Commission has accordingly set in motion an investigation into the practice in Spain."

St Ives Liberal Democrats