French government wants to send texts to patients after all healthcare reimbursements

France wants to send residents a text message after each healthcare reimbursement detailing the full cost in a bid to make people more aware of the amount spent.

Minister for public accounts David Amiel explained the proposals in an interview with Sud Radio on June 5.

“People must know where their taxes and contributions are going,” he said. 

“80% of the increase in public spending over the last 50 years has been on pensions and healthcare. And I will ensure transparency on these two issues.” 

The minister will work closely with colleagues in the health ministry and Assurance Maladie and “there will be very concrete progress in the coming months,” although no official plans have been announced.

It comes after the social security accounts commission released a report in May estimating that social security debt in France is set to reach €23.2 billion in 2026. 

This is €3.8 billion higher than initially expected, and comes after the 2026 social security budget aimed at cutting the deficit. 

A recent anti-fraud bill also attempts to reduce this figure.  

How would texts work?

Recipients would receive a text after every health-related social security reimbursement, noting the total cost alongside the amount reimbursed by Assurance Maladie (France’s state health insurer).

This includes GP and specialist consultations, pharmacy visits for medicines/vaccines etc, and hospital stays. 

Currently, information on reimbursements is available through a person’s Ameli (online health) account, which covers the last 27 months of payments. 

Last year, Assurance Maladie began sending emails to individuals following reimbursements to their account, to help reduce the risk of social security fraud. 

The policy also had a secondary aim of making French residents more aware of the cost of healthcare procedures in France.