A Real Life Story - This is why we need change!
The Government have said, in response to this campaign, that they want dental care to be "affordable" for all cancer patients. The problem is that one size doesn't fit all. MANY MANY MANY cancer patients are NOT on means tested benefits. That means they have to pay for dental treatment.
Margaret contacted me a couple of days ago and here's her story:
"I've got a terminal cancer diagnosis and receive state benefits. I get both Contribution Based Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefits. I thought my benefits (and diagnosis) would entitle me to free dental care but.....
Recently, I went to the dentist for a check-up. Afterwards I received a letter asking me to pay the NHS check-up fee of £22.70. I didn’t understand why I was being asked to pay and thought it was an error so ignored it. Then I was sent a £100 penalty notice for non-payment. I phoned and challenged and thought the matter was resolved because I told them I was on benefits. A few days later I received a further letter with an additional £50 penalty – because I hadn’t paid the original £22.70 or the £100 penalty.
By this point I was angry, upset and frustrated. I phoned again and this time it was explained that the benefits I get DO NOT ENTITLE ME TO GET FREE NHS DENTAL CARE. These are my only sources of income. I am a single lady and live on my own. My only source of income are the benefits I receive. The operator agreed to waive the £150 penalty notices but told me I still had to pay the original £22.70 and had two options: (1) to pay the £22.70 over 6 monthly instalments or (2) to pay the £22.70 in full. I agreed to pay the £22.70 in full and was put through to an automated payment line. Unfortunately, the payment line asked me to pay the full £172.70. Unable to get back to the operator, I had to put the phone down and will call again tomorrow."
There are two important “take aways” from Margaret’s story for me. Firstly, it feels so wrong that a lady with a terminal prognosis has to pay for dental care at all - secondly, the stress, worry and inconvenience that Margaret has had is just too much on top of everything else. Problems like this can be fine if you’re fit and healthy but when you’re dealing with cancer they can be overwhelming and can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
Please help by continuing to sign and share this campaign and also contact your MP and ask for their support (details of how to do that are in the previous update).