NHS deadlines for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding

People who believe they should have an assessment of eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding must apply before new deadlines set by the Department of Health.

NHS Continuing Healthcare is for individuals whose assessed primary need is for healthcare which is usually provided in a nursing home or similar setting (although this can be in their own homes).  When eligibility is agreed, NHS funding provides the entire individual’s assessed needs – including accommodation, if that is part of the overall need.

The deadlines have been introduced because the responsibility for NHS continuing healthcare is moving from Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), and the Department of Health wants to set clear cut-off points for historical cases.

The deadlines apply to previously unassessed periods of care, which occurred in the following time periods:

Time period deadline:

Individuals or their representatives, who think they should have been assessed from 1 April 2004 for NHS Continuing Healthcare must apply to their local PCT by the dates specified above. Rachel Oaten from Pardoes Private Client department warns that “these new deadlines set by the Department of Health means that time is running out for anyone receiving Nursing Care and for cases to be considered”.

Once individuals have contacted their PCT, they will be informed of the process and sent the relevant forms to complete.  If appropriate, their case will be considered against the framework applicable for the time period under review.

The announcement of these deadlines introduces a process that enables individuals who should have been assessed from 1 April 2004 onwards to be identified and considered for eligibility as soon as possible.  These deadlines apply only to previously unassessed periods of care.  They have no impact on cases that PCTs have considered or are currently considering for assessment of eligibility.

If you’ve never been assessed for NHS continuing healthcare funding since 1 April 2004 and think you may be eligible, then don’t delay – contact Pardoes Private Client Team for further advice.