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Written question asked by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Monday, 20 September 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 September 2021 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Thursday, 23 September 2021. A substantive answer was provided by Edward Argar (Conservative) on Friday, 24 September 2021 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


NHS: Migrant Workers

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason working families without permanent residence in the UK, who pay income tax and National Insurance, are also required to pay NHS surcharges.

Answer

The National Health Service is a residency-based healthcare system, meaning that people who do not live here on a lawful, settled basis must contribute to the cost of their care, regardless of individual tax status. All temporary migrants of more than six months are subject to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) at the point of visa application. This allows them to access NHS services without further charge while they are here with some exceptions. The IHS ensures that individuals do not face unexpected treatment bills and reduces the administrative burden on frontline staff of identifying chargeable patients and recovering charges.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
51576
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Health services NHS Migrant workers Surcharges
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk