France will not double the annual cap on medical franchises as previously planned; the increase will be smaller and tied to inflation since 2005, following criticism from patient groups and health professionals.

The reversal came after broad pushback from patient associations, healthcare workers, and medical organizations who argued the original plan was too abrupt and unfair.

Health Minister Stéphanie Rist argues that an inflation-linked, gradual approach is fairer, clearer, and more affordable, while preserving savings and efficiency measures to protect the social protection system.

Rist emphasizes that the reform should be transparent and sustainable, warning that inflation-adjusted changes are easier to explain than a large, sudden increase.

Earlier July announcements about the planned increase are being reassessed as discussions continue on how best to structure patient co-payments.

Complementary health insurers may cover a larger share of some expenses, potentially driving higher premiums as part of the broader savings strategy.

Four decrees outlining further cost-saving measures will be issued by the end of the week to address the Social Security deficit, with 2025 figures showing a substantial shortfall.

Reimbursement rules for certain medicines and devices will be adjusted based on assessments by the National Authority for Health, while the most effective medicines stay reimbursed as before.

Critics argue that a fixed 5% reimbursement for low-utility medicines is insufficient and that value-based reimbursement remains a central debate.

The government estimates that inflation-linked growth would be fairer to explain, with the full doubling costing the general population under €2 per month and about €4 for those with long-term illnesses.

For 2026, health budget expenditure is projected to rise about 3.1% to €8.2 billion, with early signs of strain in city care costs.

Rist indicates a new reform is under consideration, anchored to inflation indexing since 2005, resulting in a much smaller increase than originally planned.