2024-11-18 16:00:00
The Minister of Health and Access to Care, Geneviève Darrieussecq, at the podium of the National Assembly, October 28, 2024. JULIEN MUGUET FOR “THE WORLD”
In the middle of a budgetary debate in Parliament, the Minister of Health, Geneviève Darrieussecq announced Monday, November 18 that the reimbursement rate for medicines by Social Security will drop by 5% next year. This will also be the case for the payment of medical consultations, she added to the Senate.
Precisely, the “moderator ticket”most often the responsibility of complementary health insurance, “will only change by 5%” for medical consultations then “that it was potentially possible to increase it by 10%”more “in addition [celui] on medicines will increase by 5% »said the minister at the opening of debates in the Senate on the Social Security financing bill, although this measure could be taken by ministerial decree.
These refunds will result in a “transfer to complementary health insurance” whose amount “was reduced from 1.1 billion to 900 million euros” said Ms. Darrieussecq.
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A “skid” in drug spending in 2024
The government’s initial project consisted of reducing the cost of medical consultations from 70% to 60%, which will therefore be reimbursed at 65% in the future. For medicines, the three existing reimbursement rates (65%, 30% and 15%) would a priori be lowered in the same proportion.
In addition, to achieve a savings objective “to the tune of 5 billion euros” on health spending, “we are also considering price reductions for health products amounting to 1.2 billion euros”as well as “efficiency measures at the hospital” for 600 million and also on city care for 600 million, added Ms. Darrieussecq. Furthermore, the Minister of Health confirmed a “skid” drug expenses this year, “valued at 1.2 billion euros”which the government intends to limit after a “dialogue with manufacturers in order to find compensation mechanisms”.
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How will the government ensure that vulnerable populations are protected from the financial impacts of these healthcare changes?
**Interview with Geneviève Darrieussecq, Minister of Health and Access to Care**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Minister Darrieussecq. You’ve recently announced a 5% reduction in the reimbursement rates for medicines and medical consultations starting next year. Can you elaborate on what led to this decision?
**Minister Darrieussecq:** Thank you for having me. The decision to reduce reimbursement rates was not made lightly. We are currently navigating a challenging economic landscape, and budgetary constraints necessitate these adjustments. Our goal is to ensure that the healthcare system remains sustainable while still providing necessary care to our citizens.
**Editor:** How do you foresee this impacting patients and their access to medications and healthcare services?
**Minister Darrieussecq:** We understand that any reduction in reimbursement can be concerning for patients. Our priority is to minimize impact—particularly for vulnerable populations. While the moderation ticket for medical consultations will only see a 5% increase instead of the 10% that was initially considered, we believe this measured approach will help prevent drastic financial burdens on individuals.
**Editor:** You mentioned that these changes can be implemented via ministerial decree. Will there be any opportunity for public or professional input before the final decisions are made?
**Minister Darrieussecq:** Absolutely. We plan to engage with stakeholders, including healthcare providers and patient advocacy groups, before finalizing any measures. It is crucial that we consider the insights of those directly affected by these changes.
**Editor:** There have been concerns about the potential long-term effects of these adjustments on the overall healthcare system. Can you reassure the public that care quality will be maintained?
**Minister Darrieussecq:** It’s a valid concern, and I want to assure you that while we are making adjustments, we are committed to maintaining high standards of healthcare. Our focus will remain on quality and accessibility, with efforts to foster innovation and efficiency within the healthcare system itself.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Minister. We appreciate your time.
**Minister Darrieussecq:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep these conversations open as we navigate the future of healthcare together.
