2024-10-28 14:00:00
The discussions beginning this Monday, October 28 in Parliament on the 2025 Social Security financing bill (PLFSS) will be crucial for the future of our health system. Cancer still remains the leading cause of premature death in France today. However, the current copy proposed by the government clearly lacks courage.
By not targeting those responsible for disease risk factors, it places the burden only on sick people, by introducing an increase in deductibles, and complicates the criterion of relevance of prescriptions – which will generate ultimately refusals of reimbursement from Health Insurance. This is a double punishment for French people suffering from cancer, some of whom risk gradually giving up their care.
“Do more with less” is the direction given by the government, which intends to apply it to our health system. However, more prevention means fewer sick people, therefore a reduction in health spending. While, according to the report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (June 2018), 40% of cancers are preventable, prevention remains the poor relation of our public health policies. We are convinced that investing in prevention could allow the State and Social Security to achieve the much sought-after savings fairly quickly.
Introduction of a minimum price on alcohol
Why wait? It is useful to remember that diseases linked to tobacco and alcohol cost the State several billion euros each year: public health expenditure linked to alcohol consumption (7.8 billion euros) are twice as high as the revenues linked to its sale (4 billion euros). Why not ask for a contribution from manufacturers participating in the increase in cancers in France rather than savings for patients who suffer from it?
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Nothing is incurable, especially in tax matters. The Cancer League has been fighting this disease for over a century. Far from being locked into our convictions, we call on parliamentarians to take up the recent senatorial report (information report no. 638 [2023-2024]filed on May 29, 2024) which recommends reinvesting in the field of so-called “behavioral” taxation. Taxing sugary products, tobacco and alcohol combines public health policy in favor of citizens and budgetary revenue for the State.
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**Interview with Dr. Sophie Lambert, Oncology Specialist and Health Policy Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. Lambert. Thank you for joining us today. As discussions begin in Parliament regarding the 2025 Social Security financing bill, what concerns you most about the proposed changes?
**Dr. Lambert:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. My primary concern is the evident lack of emphasis on prevention in the government’s approach. The tragic reality is that cancer remains the leading cause of premature death in France, yet the proposed bill appears to place the financial burden squarely on those who are already suffering rather than addressing the risk factors that lead to these diseases.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the bill could result in increased deductibles and altered prescription criteria, which might lead to denied reimbursements for patients. Can you elaborate on how this could affect cancer patients specifically?
**Dr. Lambert:** Certainly. When health coverage becomes more costly for patients, particularly through increased deductibles, those already battling serious illnesses like cancer may feel compelled to forgo treatments. This could lead to worsening health outcomes, as many patients might avoid necessary care due to cost concerns. The proposed changes create a “double punishment” scenario for these individuals, essentially penalizing them financially as they grapple with life-threatening diseases.
**Interviewer:** The phrase “Do more with less” is used by the government in this context. What do you think this means for public health in France?
**Dr. Lambert:** It signifies a troubling trend toward austerity in the health sector. While efficiency is critical, the focus should not solely be on cost-cutting. The goal should be to promote preventative measures. We know from the International Agency for Research on Cancer that 40% of cancers are preventable. By investing in prevention, we could ultimately reduce the prevalence of cancer and lower overall health spending in the long run.
**Interviewer:** In your view, what steps should be taken to ensure that the new bill adequately addresses the pressing needs of the healthcare system?
**Dr. Lambert:** Firstly, the government needs to prioritize prevention and early intervention strategies, which could include public health campaigns, better access to screening, and support for healthy lifestyle changes. Additionally, any financial reforms should consider the impact on patients directly and strive to alleviate, rather than exacerbate, their burdens. Engaging with healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups to inform policy decisions could lead to a more balanced approach.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Lambert, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. As these discussions unfold in Parliament, it’s clear that the future of our healthcare system hinges on the decisions made regarding this bill.
**Dr. Lambert:** Thank you for having me. I hope for a constructive dialogue that prioritizes both patient care and prevention.
