French government abandons plan to double medical reimbursement ceiling

France's Health Minister Stéphanie Rist has announced the government's decision to abandon plans to double the ceiling on medical reimbursements. This move comes as the country grapples with a significant social security deficit, which surpassed 21 billion euros in 2025.

Rist stated in an interview with Le Figaro that the government's responsibility is to confront the deficit and safeguard the healthcare system. The revised approach will focus on specific medications and medical devices deemed less effective by the High Authority for Health, relying solely on scientific evidence.

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Our responsibility is to look at this deficit in the face and preserve our health system.

"The most effective medications, including the most innovative ones, will continue to be covered as they are today by Assurance-maladie," Rist assured. This implies that supplementary health insurance providers may need to cover a larger portion of certain expenses, potentially leading to increased premiums for individuals.

Four decrees are expected to be published by the end of the week, detailing the specific medications and devices affected by the change. The government aims to balance cost containment with the continued provision of high-quality care, particularly for essential and innovative treatments.

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The most effective medications, including the most innovative ones, will continue to be covered as they are today by Assurance-maladie.