When it comes to health costs in France, the government covers a certain percentage, top up insurance known as a “mutuelle” covers most of the rest and there is usually a small amount to be paid by the patient (called “reste à charge” in French).

 

But while the government says that this leftover amount is lower than in other countries, it is still putting poorer people off seeking treatment, particularly when it comes to going to the dentist for certain treatments like having a crown fitted, where the left over amount has been steadily rising over the past decade. 

 

Photo: AFP

 

According to reports just 43 percent of French people visit the dentist once a year compared to 71 percent in Germany and Britain, 85 percent in Denmark and 80 percent in the Netherlands. 

 

At the moment, the average top-up costs people have to pay to cover the “reste à charge” payment  €95 for glasses, €135 for dentures and €780 for a hearing aid.

 

The government wants to wipe out these top up costs in the three areas. The bill for easing the cost for the public will be shared out between the state through the Secu (social security) and complimentary health insurance known as “mutuelles”. 

 

The cost of the changes to the government will be anything between €1 billion and €4 billion, depending on who you listen to. 

 

When will they be brought in?

 

The changes are going to be rolled out steadily over the next 2-3 years (see below for details). 

 

What exactly is changing?

 

Glasses

 

From 2020, the price of glasses will be fully covered for “quality lenses” and for frames costing up to €30. 

 

Opticians will stock 17 adult frames and seven children's models, all available in multiple colors and wearers will be able to renew them every two years and once a year for under-15s. 

 

On the other hand, customers who want branded frames or a special treatment on the lenses may have to cover part of the cost themselves, depending on the benefits of their top-up health insurance known as a “mutuelle”.

This will include the cost of metal crowns for back teeth and ceramic crowns for more visible teeth at the front of the mouth as well as certain kinds of bridges and dentures. 

 

While other kinds of dental surgery, for example the fitting of a ceramic crown at the back of the mouth, will see costs limited 

 

The government have found it particularly difficult to negotiate an agreement with dentists over the new changes.

 

According to reports in the French press, dentists have been increasing the leftover costs for patients for certain kinds of treatments to make up for the fact that they are not paid enough for basic care such as fillings. 

 

Consumer associations have pointed to the risk of the rate of “mutuelles” going up, with France Assos Santé, which represents the interests of healthcare users in France, calling for these rates to be officially observed. 

 

“Overall we are for the changes the government is introducing — they represent progress and are a good thing,” Féreuze Aziza who is in charge of the health insurance department at France Assos Santé told The Local. 

 

Aziza said however that there is some concern that in addition to the cost of “mutuelles” going up, the price of other treatments that aren't included in the government's new changes will shoot through the roof if they are allowed to. 

 

“The people that would be most affected by the price of other treatments going up would be society's most vulnerable,” she said, adding that older people, for example, who need a higher number and greater variety of treatments could see their wallets hit despite the government reforms. 

 

“This is something we intended to remain vigilant on,” she said. 

 

Meanwhile, the government has asked “mutuelle” providers not to raise their prices but there is no official agreement on this.