From one to two euros per box of medication, from two to four euros per consultation: the government is considering increasing unit medical deductibles, which remain the responsibility of the patient, Health Minister Yannick Neuder indicated on Thursday.
The politician spoke on TF1 about "increases in franchises that are being proposed in the discussions," questioned about information from Les Echos.
The business newspaper explains that the unit amount of deductibles will "double." "The deductible on medications should thus increase from one to two euros per box at the beginning of 2026," writes the daily. "And the two-euro flat rate per GP consultation should rise to four euros," adds Les Echos.
According to Yannick Neuder, these are "figures that are proposed in the budget sheet" which results from the savings plan of nearly 44 billion euros presented in mid-July by Prime Minister François Bayrou.
The idea, "above all," is to "make everyone aware that health is priceless, but it does have a cost," the Minister of Health stressed.
It is not a question of "stigmatizing the sick, because we do not choose to be sick," insisted the member of the government.
Medical deductibles do not apply "to pregnant women," "to minors," or "to people with low incomes, particularly with the C2S," Mr. Neuder reminded. The C2S, Complementary Health Solidarity, is an aid to pay for health expenses based on income.
"All these measures will be discussed in Parliament; it is Parliament that ultimately decides," concluded the Minister of Health.
In mid-July, François Bayrou announced the doubling of the ceiling for global medical deductibles, which would increase from 50 to 100 euros per year, without revealing the increases in the unit amounts.
This lever has already sparked a backlash from patient associations. France Assos Santé, the voice of users of the French healthcare system, has expressed "its deep concern about the political direction being advocated, which places the responsibility for current abuses and tensions on healthcare system users."
The Association of Accident Victims (FNATH) also said it was "outraged." "No, medical deductibles and other contributions have never made anyone responsible because they are nothing more than a tax on illness, and they apply, moreover, to those who need care the most," the organization criticized.
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