The French government will raise the annual cap on medical franchises, the out-of-pocket costs patients pay before full reimbursement kicks in, to 140 euros from the current 100 euros, according to a draft decree seen by the AFP news agency on Monday, August 24. That is a 40% increase, but far less than the doubling to 200 euros the government had originally proposed.
The new ceiling will be split into 70 euros for medical consultations and 70 euros covering medication packs, paramedical procedures and medical transport, the government said. It said the new figure reflects inflation since 2005, when the previous 100-euro cap was first set.
Government responds to criticism
The increase is due to take effect on October 1, according to the draft decree. The text states that the cap will now be reassessed every one or two years in line with inflation, according to the version sent for consultative review to the health insurance council.
The office of Health Minister Stephanie Rist said the government had taken note of the objections raised by the councils of the social security funds, along with representatives of health professionals and patients, against its original plan to double the cap. Rist had told Le Figaro that the announced doubling was not understood and could have appeared brutal.
Why the government is raising costs
The move comes as the executive looks for savings ahead of the autumn budget debates. The health insurance system's deficit is currently projected at 13.8 billion euros in 2026, rising to 15 billion euros in 2027.
The cap is the maximum amount that patients can be asked to pay each year on medication, medical consultations, care-related transport and paramedical procedures, without reimbursement from the state health insurance system or from private supplementary insurers.
How the charges work
Adult patients are already charged a flat fee of 2 euros for every consultation or procedure carried out by a doctor, as well as for radiology exams and medical laboratory tests. That fee currently cannot exceed 8 euros a day or 50 euros a year.
For medication and paramedical procedures, a separate franchise of 1 euro per box or per procedure applies, also capped at 50 euros a year under current rules. That cap also covers franchises on medical transport, charged at 4 euros per trip.
