Plans for an NHS-style social care system have raised an important question for families across England: Will social care become free, and will people still need NHS Continuing Healthcare funding?
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has outlined a vision for a universal social care service that would be free at the point of use, with everyone contributing towards its cost. However, the funding model has not yet been decided, and the proposals are expected to be put to voters at the next General Election.
For families currently paying care home fees or arranging care at home, the key message is simple: nothing has changed yet, and NHS Continuing Healthcare remains as important as ever.
What is the proposed NHS-style social care system?
The proposal is based on the idea that social care should operate more like the NHS, with support available according to need rather than a person’s ability to pay.
This is an important ambition, but it is not yet a new care-funding system. Detailed decisions are still needed about:
- What care would be covered
- Who would qualify
- How the service would be funded
- Whether accommodation and other care costs would be included
- When any changes would take effect.
Andy Burnham has said the full reform would not be introduced before the next General Election.
Has NHS Continuing Healthcare funding changed?
No changes to the current NHS Continuing Healthcare eligibility process have been announced.
NHS Continuing Healthcare, commonly known as CHC funding, remains a fully funded package of care available to some adults whose assessed needs demonstrate a primary health need.
Unlike means-tested social care, CHC eligibility is based on a person’s health and care needs, not their income, savings, property, age or diagnosis.
Families should therefore continue to explore NHS Continuing Healthcare funding where a loved one has significant, complex, intense, unpredictable or rapidly changing needs.
Should families wait for social care reform?
No, families should not delay seeking advice or requesting a CHC assessment because of proposals for future reform.
People may continue paying substantial care fees while waiting for changes that have not yet been agreed or implemented. If a loved one’s needs could indicate a primary health need, it is important to consider the funding options available now.
Headlines about “free social care” may sound reassuring, but they do not change current eligibility rules, assessment processes or care-fee responsibilities.
Why CHC advice remains crucial
The distinction between healthcare and social care can be difficult to understand. Families may be told that their loved one’s needs are “social” when they believe those needs arise primarily from their health.
The CHC process can also involve:
- Detailed care and medical evidence
- NHS Checklists and full assessments
- Consideration of the nature, intensity, complexity and unpredictability of needs
- Delays or disagreements about responsibility for funding
- Appeals against decisions that families believe are incorrect.
Even if wider social care reform eventually takes place, families will still need clear information about what support is available, what is covered and how decisions can be challenged.
How Compass CHC can help
Compass CHC specialises exclusively in NHS Continuing Healthcare funding. We understand how stressful and confusing the process can feel, particularly when a family is already managing a loved one’s changing care needs.
Our specialist team can help you:
- Understand whether your loved one could be eligible for CHC funding
- Prepare for a Checklist or full CHC assessment
- Gather and review relevant care and medical evidence
- Present your loved one’s needs clearly and accurately
- Challenge an NHS CHC decision where appropriate
- Explore whether previously paid care fees may be recoverable.
Compass CHC has over a decade of experience and a dedicated team combining specialist advisory, clinical and legal knowledge. Our focus is helping families navigate the CHC process through clear, evidence-based support.
The renewed national focus on social care is welcome, but proposals for the future should not distract families from the support that may be available today.
If your loved one has significant ongoing health needs, do not assume that care fees must simply be accepted. We can help you understand your options and decide what to do next.
Unsure if you or a loved one qualifies?
If you think you or a loved one may be eligible for CHC funding, don’t delay. We’re here to guide you through every step.
Submit an enquiry to get started.
