France to raise annual medical franchise cap to 140 euros

The French government has proposed a new decree to increase the annual cap on medical franchises and flat-rate contributions from 100 euros to 140 euros. This move follows the government's decision to abandon an earlier plan to double the cap to 200 euros, a proposal that faced significant opposition from healthcare professionals and patient associations.

The new 140-euro limit, which would be split into 70 euros for medical consultations and 70 euros for medications and paramedical acts, is intended to account for inflation since the cap was last set in 2005. Under the proposed decree, the cap would be indexed to inflation every one or two years. The government estimates the average impact on insured individuals will be less than one euro per month, though those with long-term conditions (ALD) may see an increase of approximately two euros per month. Approximately 18 million people, including pregnant women and those on solidarity health schemes, will remain exempt.

Critics have challenged the measure. The Unsa union argues the increase exceeds a strict inflation adjustment, calculating that a pure inflation-based figure should be approximately 131.85 euros. Additionally, the CODEF collective has criticized the government's method, describing the move as a “discreet” way to achieve savings by shifting costs toward complementary health insurance, which could lead to higher premiums for policyholders.