Oxygen Therapy Costs: Friends Subsidize Medical Expenses
Oxygen Concentrator Users: Don’t Lose Out on Energy Bill Rebates – Here’s How to Claim
Table of Contents
Many people relying on home oxygen concentrators are unaware they’re eligible for a rebate to help with spiralling energy costs. But a recent case highlights a crucial,and often unclear,restriction: what happens if you’re not at your ‘main’ address?
The Problem with ‘Main Address’ Eligibility
A reader contacted The Guardian’s Consumer Champions after being denied a rebate while temporarily relocating for health reasons. The rebate scheme, designed to protect vulnerable patients dependent on oxygen concentrators, is administered by companies like Vivisol. While Vivisol’s website states eligibility covers the cost of using the machine at a patient’s main address, it doesn’t clearly address situations where patients need to be elsewhere – for convalescence, respite care, or even essential home repairs.This lack of clarity is a notable issue. Individuals with serious health conditions often need to relocate. Expecting friends or family to cover the electricity costs associated with life-saving treatment feels deeply unfair, especially when concentrators have their own integrated meters to accurately track usage.
How to Nominate a Temporary Address
Fortunately, action has been taken. After being contacted by The Guardian, NHS England clarified that patients can nominate a temporary address as their main residence through their service provider. This means you shouldn’t be penalized for needing to receive treatment or care away from your usual home.
The NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board confirmed this process, offering a lifeline to those who previously believed they’d forfeited their rebate.
Vivisol Responds and Promises Clarity
Following the intervention, Vivisol agreed to reinstate and backdate the reader’s rebates, covering the period of their absence.A spokesperson acknowledged the ambiguity in their communication, 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.”
This is a positive step, but it underscores the importance of advocating for your rights and understanding the details of the scheme.
What You Need to Do
If you rely on an oxygen concentrator and are concerned about energy costs, or if you’ve been denied a rebate due to a temporary relocation, here’s what you should do:
Contact your service provider (e.g., Vivisol): Inquire about nominating a temporary address as your main residence. Be prepared to provide documentation supporting your relocation (e.g., a letter from your doctor, proof of address).
Contact NHS England: If your service provider is unhelpful, escalate the issue to NHS England.
Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of your electricity consumption (from the concentrator’s meter) and all communication with your service provider and NHS England.
Don’t let unclear policies prevent you from accessing the financial support you’re entitled to.
We welcome letters but cannot answer individually. email us at consumer.champions@theguardian.com or write to Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Please include a daytime phone number.Submission and publication of all letters is subject to our terms and conditions.*