In its quest for budgetary optimization, the French government plans to reduce the coverage of chronic diseases and long-term conditions (ALD). This initiative has raised concerns among 25 associations representing people suffering from these pathologies. In an open letter addressed to the Minister for Health, these groups expressed their concerns about the consequences on medical expenses.
Minister Delegate in charge of Health, spoke of the need to “reflect on the relevance” of the current system concerning ALD. However, he stressed that the objective was not to save money at the expense of patients suffering from these conditions. He recalled that the health system is based on an old architecture, but that medical advances must be taken into account.
Illnesses listed on the official ALD list benefit from full reimbursement by Social Security. However, only care directly linked to these pathologies is taken into account, and this system operates within the limits of the planned ceilings.
The associations signing the letter warned of “the threat of dismantling” of a “key mechanism of our solidarity health system”. They also highlighted that the amount remaining payable by patients with ALD is almost twice that of the rest of the population. Thus, they reject all stigmatization and refuse to be held responsible for the deficits of the health system. In addition, they denounced the “ambient discourse” which suggests that certain patients abuse the system with the complicity of doctors.
It is essential to find a balance between controlling expenses and ensuring adequate care for people with chronic illnesses. The debate on this complex subject continues to provoke passionate reactions within French society.
 Sophie de Duiéry
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06/03/2024 | 
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