top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Medicine cutback plans condemned

A proposal to reduce repayments on treatments for the long-term sick has been attacked by MPs on all sides.

A plan to reduce repayments on treatments for the long-term sick has been attacked by MPs on all sides.

Socialist Party MP Jack Lang attacked the plans as ‘unimaginable’ while UMP MP Jérôme Chartier said that the idea was not inline with French expectations of the health service and said it would be more sensible to review the classification of long-term illnesses.

The reduction was one of several proposals put forward by the directeur de l’assurance-maladie, Frédéric van Roekeghem as part of a package to reduce the health costs of the social security budget by 3.2 billion euros with a view to balancing the budget by 2011. The proposals will be discussed by the government tomorrow.

Around eight million people with long-term illnesses affection de longue durée (ALD) such as aids and diabetes currently receive 100% repayments on all their medicines, a number rising by 4% each year according to Mr van Roekeghem.

Under the proposed reforms the state would only reimburse 35% of the cost of medicines taken to treat lighter symptoms related to the diseases.

Such ‘weaker’ drugs – with a blue sticker – are reimbursed at 35% when not prescribed in association with an ALD condition. There would be no change to the 100% cover for drugs that treat the actual disease.

Mr van Roekeghem said the remaining repayment could be taken up via complimentary mutuelles, although 8% of the population do not have them.

A proposal has also been made that certain conditions be in future removed from ALD status (but not retrospectively), especially those that are not especially costly to treat, including high blood pressure and some kinds of diabetes.

Health minister Roselyne Bachelot did not comment directly on the measure but said: “What generation would we be if we made our children pay for our health?”

“The social security deficit is immoral.”

Photo: sxc/alaasafeit/Alaa Hamed

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France