A recent flood has forced a local resident to navigate significant challenges over the past year, including temporary relocations and ongoing medical expenses. The writer’s home was severely affected, prompting them to stay with friends and family while dealing with the aftermath of the disaster.
After the flood, the writer took two months to recuperate at their daughter’s home after having heart surgery. Their recovery period ushered in new challenges. Their healing journey didn’t just need to account for their trauma, but their medical obligations became a financial burden.
Through their local MP the writer was able to get support from all of NHS England. They were particularly concerned about a reimbursement ban for the additional electricity expenses incurred due to their use of an oxygen concentrator. They asked if exemptions could be used in situations like theirs, which had extensive medical factors.
She should be reimbursed for excess electricity that she used because of the additional cost of running an oxygen concentrator. Vivisol, the company through which the NHS negotiates/outsources rebates, makes them pay quarterly. They are paid an average of £48 per visit. This cash assistance is key to helping them cover the day-to-day expenses that come along with their complex healthcare needs.
A spokesperson for NHS England responded to the writer’s concerns, stating, “All communication does highlight that the eligibility only applies at the patient’s main address. As a result of your email, we will review to identify if that can be made clearer.” NHS England is open to revisiting how they convey information regarding reimbursement eligibility. This has the potential to create huge wins for other state and localities in similar circumstances.
Now, both the environmental impacts of the flood and the ongoing health complications produced by the toxins have upended her quality of life and income prospects. The doubts on a problematic reimbursement context ever changing are still a deadly concern. The author hopes that increased transparency and possible industry exemptions might relieve the financial stress on affected patients who live day-to-day in similar predicaments.