Health costs to rise to cover debt
Reimbursements could be cut for a visit to the doctor, some drugs, physiotherapy and some hospital procedures
THE COSTS of a visit to the doctor could rise if the government pursues plans to balance the social security budget.
State reimbursements for certain medical acts including visits to the doctor could be cut as the state looks to bring rising debt under control.
It is looking to save €2.5bn each year to break even, before it can then tackle its deficit of €12bn.
Among the ideas proposed are to reduce the level of reimbursement for certain drugs considered "moderate" (blue labels) from 35 per cent to 30 per cent.
The part of the cost of seeing a doctor that is paid for by the patient could rise by 0.5 per cent.
Certain procedures performed in hospital will also have their reimbursements cut.
Together these measures could save €400m according to a government report, which also envisages raising the cost of accident insurance for businesses.
The measures will be released officially at the end of the month.
According to Les Echos newspaper: "The vast majority of patients will not feel the effects."
"They are politically sensitive, especially coming during the reforms to retirement. Insurers will not miss a chance to put up their prices."
