France to double annual medical co‑payment ceiling to €200

France's health minister Stéphanie Rist announced that the annual ceiling for medical co‑payments (franchises) will be raised from €100 to €200 per year for consultations and prescription drugs. The per‑visit charge will remain unchanged at €2 for each medical act and €1 per medication box, with a daily limit of €8. The change is to be enacted by a decree expected this summer.

The measure does not affect minors, beneficiaries of the complementary health solidarity scheme, recipients of state medical aid, pregnant women after the sixth month of pregnancy, or victims of terrorism – roughly 18 million French citizens. Patient groups, especially those with chronic illnesses, have expressed concern that the higher out‑of‑pocket limit could strain household budgets, and health‑care associations warn it may lead some to forgo necessary treatment.