France shifts healthcare costs to private insurers

France's national health insurance system is set to transfer a portion of its reimbursement responsibilities to complementary health insurers, a move announced by Health Minister Stéphanie Rist. The government has initiated the process by sending draft decrees for consultation, aiming to reduce the state's coverage for specific services.

The affected areas include dental consultations, medical transport, and medications deemed less effective. Four draft decrees target an increased role for mutual insurers in covering these costs, alongside medical devices. A fifth decree proposes doubling the ceiling for medical franchise payments by users, from 100 to 200 euros.

While the exact financial transfer from Assurance Maladie to complementary insurers remains undisclosed, the Mutualité Française indicated figures between 1.5 and 1.7 billion euros following a meeting. Minister Rist acknowledged that the price increase for complementary insurance is not automatic. She emphasized ongoing negotiations with these insurers to minimize any hikes, though she could not impose a price freeze at this stage.

The government's objective is to curb rising healthcare expenditures, as the social security deficit has widened since 2023, potentially reaching 23.2 billion euros.