A Present from the State

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There was a time, not so very long ago, when a woman's 60th birthday invariably coincided with not only retirement but also receipt of a state pension and bus pass. How quickly things have changed and, in my own case, it will now be another six years before those gifts are endowed.

That is not to say that the Government overlooks you entirely at 60 and for many it is the day they can finally forget about the notional prescription charge levied by the NHS here in England. Alternatively, as in my case, that is of limited significance if you are already exempt as a result of a medical condition or means testing.

Imagine therefore my astonishment to receive an official letter from the NHS posted on my actual birthday. How can anyone accuse it of inefficiency when its computer system is so finely tuned? 

WARNING: Anyone who has not yet attained the age of 60 years and doesn't want their own NHS birthday surprise spoiling should stop reading now.

So what exactly does the  National Health Service gift you for reaching 60? Bowel cancer screening and yes, I shall be taking advantage.

Comments

Debra Journet said…
The prep is the worst part.
16 March 2018 at 20:27
Jane said…
Our gov't lets us decide when we want to start receiving our Canada Pension (based on work history and contribution amount); anytime from age 60 on. When we reach the magical age of 65, we receive another pension (Old Age Security) free health benefits kick in on top of OHIP benefits which are free to everyone, all of the time. Unfortunately for the next generation the age has been raised to 67. Did the screening - they gave me some lovely drugs so I don't remember a thing :)
19 March 2018 at 14:35
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