Critics assert that any savings should be derived from addressing inefficiencies in the healthcare system rather than compromising the accessibility and quality of care.

Elise Derroitte, MC's vice president, emphasized that this measure would disproportionately affect chronic patients and low-income individuals, potentially discouraging them from seeking necessary medical care.

The Mutualité chrétienne (MC) has raised significant concerns regarding a proposal from medical unions Absym and Cartel to index patient co-payments for general medical care, warning that it could adversely affect vulnerable groups.

Both MC and Solidaris have criticized the indexing proposal as a 'false good idea,' arguing that it would shift costs to secondary healthcare and ultimately lead to higher overall healthcare expenditures.

Currently, out-of-pocket healthcare costs for Belgian households are notably high, at 25%, which is greater than in Germany, the Netherlands, and France.

Solidaris has highlighted that the proposed increase in co-payments would not be compensated by wage and social benefit indexing, resulting in a net loss of disposable income for patients.

The indexing measure would be particularly burdensome for patients with chronic illnesses who face co-payments for each consultation, leading to escalating costs as their health deteriorates.

Proponents of the indexing argue that it aims to save approximately 114 million euros by reducing the frequency of consultations, according to union claims.

Derroitte has pointed out that patients already contribute to social security through salaries and taxes, which are intended to ensure affordable healthcare access.

MC has highlighted that if all health professions adopted the indexing practice, it would lead to increased expenses for patients without improving care quality or accessibility, with an average additional cost of 83 euros per person throughout the legislative term.

MC has warned that financial barriers can lead to delayed or avoided medical care, which may ultimately cost society more in the long run.

Solidaris, the socialist mutuality, has also opposed the indexing, arguing that it represents an unjust tax on health that would worsen healthcare access in Belgium.