British citizens could be forced to carry ID cards to access free NHS care as part of

[super jumbe]

Proposals for an NHS card have been sent to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt



Britons could have to carry an ?entitlement card? to access free NHS care as part of a crackdown on health tourists, it emerged yesterday.

David Cameron is considering plans to restrict free healthcare for immigrants to those who have lived here for more than a year - amid fears the cash-strapped NHS has become the ?Global Health Service?.

Reforms under discussion could mean immigrants having to wait six months or even a year before being granted habitual residency and therefore hospital care.

But MPs say the scheme can only work if those who are entitled to free care can prove it. This would involve those fully entitled to NHS care presenting a card at the point of treatment.

However, the idea of an entitlement card could spark civil liberty concerns akin to the opposition to Labour?s plans to impose an identity card.

In addition, any plans to change the habitual residency test could be controversial.

The European Commission is already unhappy that the UK has imposed such a test to prevent immigrants gaining access to all benefits and would be likely to oppose any plan to extend the test to entitlement for NHS care

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2287531/British-citizens-forced-carry-ID-cards-access-free-NHS-care-crackdown-health-tourism.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

[GastonJ]

Won't happen anyway, ortherwise there'd be a few dying. Scenario - car accident. Ambulance turns up... "got your NHS ID card m8?, if not you'll have to wait until it comes in the post, phone us back then"

What a stupid idea. I guess one of Dave's friends happens to have a lot of ID cards they'd like to sell the government *shrug* - obviously that would be with no money, since the government is cutting the NHS left right and centre in these times when there is no money and we're all in it together... yeah right. Money to waste on an ID scheme and yet cutting front line services - bloody typical.

[bonus2010]

I completely disagree with boy David Cameron's idea that immigrants should be denied health care.

Rather than introducing 'entitlement NHS ID cards', it would be better idea to insist that immigrants are covered by and proved to have health care insurance before being allowed entry to UK.. that seems simple policy for me.

[gizmo.1484]

British citizens could be forced to carry ID cards to access free NHS care as part of

Another stupid idea to cover the money there spending on there expenses.. Same old government, when will people learn..

[gmb45]

i agree with bonus, must have health care insurance before coming into the country, simples, there is millions of people in this country from other countries now it would also generate a lot of much need income, the british wouldnt be with out it when we go to other countries, so why not visitors to the uk ? why hasnt the gov thought of this ? they probably have but more than likely it would be against shite eu laws thats why.

[GastonJ]

There are already reciprocal arrangements with other countries:

Non-EEA country-by-country guide - Healthcare abroad - NHS Choices

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/countryguide/Pages/EEAcountries.aspx

and those that come here and pay tax/NI, which after all pays for the NHS? Oh and BTW, there are mechanisms in place to make them contribute for treatment, there has been for ages, government forgot to add that part, doesn't fit their story.

The government is so glib when it makes broad brush statements, even when it knows that such agreements are already in place. Same usual headline grabbing statements they normally make, blame everyone else for their own problems, as do other right wing governments. I still say someone has a load of ID cards that they want to offload and make a profit on.

and I did read the article:

"in the EU since the countries joined the EU in 2007, but in the UK they have either had to apply for one of the limited work permits available, be self-employed, or work in specific jobs such as seasonal agricultural or as domestic servants."

Domestic servants in this day and age? what about the slaves?

[gopher7]

I may be wrong, but I think it's another ruse to have us carrying ID cards & to have health insurance. After all, they're trying to privatise the NHS anyway by selling off hospitals and other medical services.

[blueflash234]

Domestic servants in this day and age? what about the slaves?[/QUOTE]

in london there are lots of housekeepers (domestic servents)
lots of people in the area i work in london have people to clean and cook,some have live in accomidation ,most not they are just trying to make a living good luck to them there are many people who do this job and there are many people who employ these people to

[Kalipo]

Domestic servants in this day and age? what about the slaves?

in london there are lots of housekeepers (domestic servents)
lots of people in the area i work in london have people to clean and cook,some have live in accomidation ,most not they are just trying to make a living good luck to them there are many people who do this job and there are many people who employ these people to[/QUOTE]

London has its own health service??

London isnt in england mate...

Idea.. no health care plan no help.. yes if your dying we'll treat you but.... you will have to find the cash from somewhere for the treatment.. failure will result in hard labour in a concentration camp of your choice.. which is a free council house, benefits and the likes..

we work them foreigners hard

[Meat-Head]

think is well all have a serial number, it's on top of your birth certificate, it's your NI number when your 16.

So as long as - after your DK member number - learn it what is the problem

yes like GastonJ says there will be times where people are 'off-line' or 'processing data' but ok, stick them on the back of a truck drag them in for repairs thee there back on-line and running, no NI - naff orf