In France, theealth Insurance spending has risen by almost 20% between 2018 and 2022 (excluding Covid-19). Patients’ out-of-pocket expenses have fallen from 9% in 2011 to 7% in 2021: this is the lowest level in the OECD, after Luxembourg.
The government has decided to double the amount of the various deductibles, which have never been increased since their creation. The new amounts should be phased in by mid-June. They concern :
- The medical deductible, which applies to boxes of medicines and paramedical procedures (up from €0.50 to €1), and the deductible on medical transport (up from €2 to €4),
- The fixed contribution, which applies to procedures and consultations carried out by a doctor, as well as medical biology tests and analyses (from €1 to €2).
These measures apply to all policyholders, with the exception of minors, women benefiting from maternity insurance, and beneficiaries of the complementary health insurance scheme (C2S). The annual ceiling (€50) is nevertheless maintained to protect patients with serious pathologies.