Faced with worsening social security deficits, the Court of Auditors is proposing new measures to improve the collection of medical deductibles. In a report published at the end of May, the institution suggests, in particular, authorizing the national health insurance system to directly deduct outstanding amounts owed for medical deductibles from policyholders' bank accounts.
According to the Court of Auditors, unpaid medical deductibles represent an estimated loss of €1,5 billion annually for the French social security system. Despite reminders sent by the national health insurance system, a large portion of these amounts is never recovered, further widening the deficits in the social security accounts.
Up to an additional 500 million euros recovered each year
The judges believe that a direct deduction system could generate up to an additional €500 million per year. This proposal comes in a particularly tight budgetary context, as the social security deficit is projected to reach €21,6 billion in 2025.
The Court of Auditors also recommends a more comprehensive reform of the medical deductible and co-payment system. Among the proposed solutions are simplifying the system and extending deductibles to certain dental treatments currently excluded from coverage.
Savings sought to restore social security accounts
The institution emphasizes that the deficits in the health and old-age pension branches continue to weigh heavily on public finances. To return to a balanced budget by 2030, it estimates that an additional effort of several billion euros per year will be necessary.
The Court is also considering reviewing certain exemptions currently granted to several segments of the population. However, such a development could spark debate about access to healthcare and the protection of the most vulnerable members of society.
A reform that could spark debate
While this proposal aims to boost social security revenue, its implementation would require legislative changes and already raises questions about respecting the rights of insured individuals. The issue of balancing public finances with social acceptability should therefore be a central focus of upcoming debates on the future of social protection financing.
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