France implements healthcare reimbursement and access reforms

New healthcare regulations have taken effect in France, impacting both medical reimbursements and patient access to care.

As of October 1, the annual cap for medical franchises, which are small fees deducted from medication, consultations, and paramedical acts, has increased from 100 to 140 euros per insured person. Additionally, a decree has ended the automatic 100 percent reimbursement for certain medications classified as having low medical service rendered (SMR) for patients with long-term conditions (ALD). These specific drugs will now see a 15 percent reimbursement rate from the National Health Insurance, though indispensable treatments for the pathology remain fully covered.

In a separate development regarding healthcare access, a new decree published in the Official Journal outlines an experiment allowing direct consultations with advanced practice nurses (IPA). Starting December 1, 2026, patients in Mayotte, along with five other departments, will be able to consult these nurses without a prior doctor's referral. This initiative, part of the 2023 Rist law, aims to address difficulties in accessing primary care. Nurses participating in this program must operate within a territorial professional health community (CPTS) and will refer patients to doctors when necessary, ensuring the treating physician is informed of the consultation.