1. A new online health space
All residents affiliated with France’s state health system now have access to a new online health space containing a calendar of medical appointments, storage of medical documents and a messaging system.
This is the latest revamp of a digital medical record system after other voluntary underwriting systems did not find widespread acceptance.
In this case, you must request not to participate, if you wish.
Read more: France plans to put more administrators online, but is it a positive step for everyone?
2. Free contraceptive methods for those under 25 years of age
Full coverage of contraceptive costs was available starting January 1 for all women up to age 25.
Previously, this was only the case for minors. This covers one doctor visit per year, as well as the corresponding pills, devices and tests.
Read more: France makes birth control pills and IUDs free for those under 25
3. Recharge insurance that will be renewed automatically
Certain people will now automatically be credited with complémentaire santé solidaire (CSS), free or subsidized complementary health care, as very few people were found to accept it.
This will apply to those who have the RSA income support benefit.
It will also ‘facilitate’ access to pensioners in the Aspa pension surcharge, to whom the documents that allow them to register will be automatically sent.
Read more: French ‘recharge’ health insurance explanation
Read more: Can foreign residents claim the supplementary benefit of the French pension?
4. Improvements in the quality of school canteens
Healthier and more responsibly produced food is promised in mass catering facilities such as school canteens.
At least half of the products used now have to be from “sustainable” agriculture or from brands with a “origin and quality” label, including organic products.
5. Up to eight “free” consultations a year with a psychologist
Consultations with a psychologist are now reimbursed to those in the health system (up to eight per year).
The patient must have been referred by their GP.
Read more: Mental health appointments will be more affordable in France
6. Orthoptists to perform eye tests
Orthoptists can now perform eye tests for people with mild vision problems and prescribe glasses and contact lenses.
This aims to help solve the problem of difficult access to ophthalmologists in many areas of France.
Read more: Eyeglass prescriptions without an ophthalmologist in France
7. Remote care will become widespread
Remote surveillance, in which healthcare professionals monitor a patient’s health remotely using technology, will become more standardized this year.
Previously subject to several trials, it will now be extended to all health conditions that are considered to be beneficiaries of it, and reimbursement rates will be set for professionals who use it.
8. French hospitals to offer cheaper emergency services
French hospitals will charge a fixed amount of € 19.61 from January 1 to patients who go to the emergency room and accidents (emergencies) but then do not enter the hospital.
Until now, the charge was € 25.28 for Emergency treatment without hospitalization, plus additional detailed fees for specific services received.
The Connexion Healthcare Help Guide in France
To learn more about healthcare in France, take a look at our France Healthcare Help Guide, a 64-page booklet with information on accessing healthcare in France as a resident, second home owner and visitor.
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