RHA and Schedule V (yellow card) arrangements. UK Expats.

so does this mean then that sched v yellow card once the S1 runs out prevents the issue of essential free long term medications....

forgive me am not trying to be nosy just trying to understand

maybe a communication to the chief medical officer might throw up some answers

toonarmy9752 wrote:

so does this mean then that sched v yellow card once the S1 runs out prevents the issue of essential free long term medications....

forgive me am not trying to be nosy just trying to understand

Yes, that is what I have been told. No S1 no free medication.

toonarmy9752 wrote:

maybe a communication to the chief medical officer might throw up some answers

Good idea, I'll draft one for tomorrow.

good luck.

I know toon has already posted this on the other thread but I am posting it again here for ease of reference:-



Persons registered with the Entitlement Unit under this scheme will be issued with an entitlement card hereinafter referred to as RHA Entitlement Card.
Persons issued with the RHA Entitlement Card will be entitled for free healthcare services in local public healthcare institutions on an in-patient and out-patient basis as well as other specialist services provided for Maltese nationals.


RHA Entitlement Card holders will not be entitled for:

treatment abroad including the UK
the European Health Insurance Card
*long-term care and other things and services provided for under the Social Security Act and other legislation



I was wondering if the reason they say you are not entitled to the yellow card for free medication with the RHA cover is because it comes under the last line above marked with an * as it is medication for a long term illness so therefore not covered?  Just a thought, could explain it though.

That thought crossed my mind Rainbow but I think that is in the context of the SSA; care home etc. Open to interpretation as all of these things are. I shall write to the CMO today, thanks.

redmik wrote:

That thought crossed my mind Rainbow but I think that is in the context of the SSA; care home etc. Open to interpretation as all of these things are. I shall write to the CMO today, thanks.

Yes, I agree it is open to interpretation, probably why it is written like that, hope you get some clarification when you write, take care

Today I received the following response to my enquiry regarding RHA and Sched V.

Dear .......

A Certificate of Entitlement (Entitlement Unit, Valletta) is required rather than the RHA agreement. If paying National Insurance in Malta, a recent payslip would be required and usually a COE is not issued.

Regards,

Jonathan Attard
Senior Pharmacist
Medicines Entitlement Unit (MEU)
Tel: 21232424

How does that help you Mick? I am confused over it all!

the key words being "if paying national insurance in malta" surely you wouldnt need a cert of entitlement.....just the ability to prove payments.

so where does that leave you with regards to the yellow card and medications, as I guess you wont be paying NI/SSC here.

It doesn't help me. I was just clarifying an issue of doubt.
I lose my entitlement from January 2014 until I receive my UK State Pension a few years hence. Ditto for Lynn.
We don't mind as such as we believe that if in a country then one goes by that country's rules and of course we paid for prescriptions in UK. (I would also be happier if I paid my taxes here, as I live here.)

what is stopping you paying your taxes here and if you managed that then would that get you what you need - maybe by voluntary SSC contributions?

toonarmy9752 wrote:

what is stopping you paying your taxes here and if you managed that then would that get you what you need - maybe by voluntary SSC contributions?

Because our pensions are UK MOD and UK Government and tax has to be paid in UK. At the moment our income from our property is not taxed.

can they not be paid or remitted here and subject to lower tax.. i know some private pension schemes allow - - i assume they dont then

toonarmy9752 wrote:

can they not be paid or remitted here and subject to lower tax.. i know some private pension schemes allow - - i assume they dont then

No, unfortunately they cannot. All UK Government, (central and local) and MOD pensions must be taxed and paid to UK.

Mind you, tax levels may be lower here but tax allowances are higher in the UK.

redmik wrote:

Mind you, tax levels may be lower here but tax allowances are higher in the UK.

agreed - these must be checked before deciding

toonarmy9752 wrote:

redmik wrote:

Mind you, tax levels may be lower here but tax allowances are higher in the UK.

agreed - these must be checked before deciding

Just a thought but if you paid voluntary SSC in Malta could you not claim it back against your UK tax under the dual taxation agreement?

tearnet wrote:

toonarmy9752 wrote:

redmik wrote:

Mind you, tax levels may be lower here but tax allowances are higher in the UK.

agreed - these must be checked before deciding

Just a thought but if you paid voluntary SSC in Malta could you not claim it back against your UK tax under the dual taxation agreement?

worth a punt

tearnet wrote:

toonarmy9752 wrote:

redmik wrote:

Mind you, tax levels may be lower here but tax allowances are higher in the UK.

agreed - these must be checked before deciding

Just a thought but if you paid voluntary SSC in Malta could you not claim it back against your UK tax under the dual taxation agreement?

There is indeed a thought, thanks I sense some complex maths coming on or..............John Huber!!

I am revisiting this as my yellow card is expired but pharmacist seems to think I can still get it renewed.
Re-reading this part of the email from the Health Department makes me think that perhaps they are 'muddled' as a Certificate of Entitlement card is issued on the basis of the RHA...........

A Certificate of Entitlement (Entitlement Unit, Valletta) is required rather than the RHA agreement.

Has anyone had any recent involvement with this process please?
Information via the internet and Health Department sites is virtually non existent.
Basically I need to know where to get a renewal application form from, on Gozo or from the internet.
Thanks,