France considers increasing patients’ share of prescription drug costs

The French government is debating a proposal to raise the share that insured patients must pay when purchasing prescription drugs, aiming for significant savings in the national healthcare budget. Currently, patients pay a €1 medical fee per box of medication, but officials say this charge could double to €2. Health Minister Yannick Neuder explained that this increase is being planned so that patients will pay the higher fee directly at pharmacies in the future.

In addition to the changes for medications, Minister Catherine Vautrin announced a potential doubling of the annual cap for medical contributions, increasing it from €50 to €100. The fixed co-pay for health services may also be set to double. While the government argues these measures will encourage patients to be more cost-conscious, critics worry they could disproportionately affect people with chronic illnesses and the elderly, who require frequent medication and care.

Officials maintain that the reforms will help make healthcare spending more sustainable for companies, public insurance, and patients themselves, while also increasing public awareness about the true costs of medical services. Talks are still ongoing with various stakeholders, and the specifics of the new payment caps and increased co-pays have yet to be finalized.