France to reduce hearing aid reimbursement rates in 2027

A new decree in France will modify the reimbursement structure for medical devices, including hearing aids, effective January 1, 2027. The policy shifts a greater portion of the cost from the national health insurance system, Assurance maladie, to supplementary private health insurance providers (organismes complémentaires).

Under the new regulations, the ticket modérateur—the portion of the cost not covered by state insurance—will increase from the current 40% and 50% ranges to 50% and 60%. For an adult, this could mean the state reimbursement for a hearing aid drops from 240 euros to as low as 160 euros per ear, depending on the specific rate applied.

While class 1 hearing aids may remain covered with zero out-of-pocket costs through responsible contracts with supplementary insurers, class 2 hearing aids are also affected. For these devices, full coverage is not guaranteed and will depend on individual private insurance plans. This shift represents a recalibration of the “100% Santé” reform, redistributing the fiscal burden of auditory healthcare.