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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What are the expected long-term effects of the reduction in reimbursement rates on the healthcare system as a whole?
**Interview with Geneviève Darrieussecq, Minister of Health and Access to Care**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Darrieussecq. On November 18, you announced some significant changes regarding reimbursement rates for medicines and medical consultations. Can you explain the rationale behind this decision?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Thank you for having me. The decision to reduce the reimbursement rates was not made lightly. We are facing substantial budgetary constraints and rising healthcare costs. By adjusting the rates, we aim to maintain the sustainability of our social security system while ensuring that essential healthcare remains accessible to all citizens.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the reimbursement rate for medicines and medical consultations will drop by 5%. How do you expect this will impact patients and their access to care?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** We understand that any reduction can be concerning for patients. However, this is a balanced approach. The goal is to encourage responsible use of medicines while protecting the core services that our citizens rely on. Additionally, the complementary health insurance will see a moderated adjustment, which we believe will help cushion the impact on individuals seeking care.
**Interviewer:** There were discussions about potentially increasing the “moderator ticket” by 10%. Can you elaborate on this?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Yes, the “moderator ticket” is a vital part of our healthcare financing system. While we’ve decided on a 5% increase for the coming year, there is potential for a further increase. This allows us some flexibility to respond to future challenges in healthcare delivery and ensure that patients are not disproportionately affected.
**Interviewer:** With these changes, how do you plan to ensure that essential medications and services remain affordable for the most vulnerable populations?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Protecting vulnerable populations is a top priority. We are looking into additional support mechanisms, including targeted subsidies and assistance programs, to ensure that those who need it most will continue to have access to essential medications and healthcare services, despite these adjustments.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Darrieussecq, for your insights. We appreciate you taking the time to explain these important changes.
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we maintain an open dialogue with the public about these decisions and their implications for our healthcare system.