how will the package at 18 euros work for passages without hospitalization?

From January 1, 2021, a flat rate of 18 euros will be applied in the event of emergency visits without hospitalization in the wake. Explanation of a controversial measure.


by Celine Peschard

On January 1, 2021, a flat rate of 18 euros will come into effect each time you go to the emergency room without hospitalization. This novelty will replace the user fees, remember France Inter. Currently in service, it amounts to 20% of the cost of the act performed and "represents the remainder of health expenditure after reimbursement of health insurance and before deduction of deductibles and lump sum contributions", explains Qto choose. The objective of the package that will replace it, according to the government: to allow "for the patient to limit the very high out-of-charge situations", thanks to a single flat rate system, supported by complementary.

Pregnant women finally exempted

"We realized that only 30% of the bills were collected. And the system was unreadable for the patient who had no idea how much he was going to pay through his health insurance when he left.", details on France Inter Thomas Masnier, general rapporteur for the Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS). But what about the critics, who believe that this is cutting corners on an essential service? According to the Ministry of Health, "This package is a simplification, not a savings." Note that the proposal to charge a flat rate of 8 euros to pregnant women and patients with long-term illnesses (ALD), was rejected by the deputies with regard to pregnant women (their visit will remain free ), but not for ALDs. According to rapporteur Thomas Mesnier, these people "a higher charge than others today, due in particular to the number of acts performed", they will benefit from the new system. "With this reduced package, the average cost for people on ALD will still drop by 32%", he specifies.

Emergencies that already pay off

If we understand the emotion aroused by this new rule, it is important to qualify. Today, hospital emergencies are not free: a small note arrives by mail some time after the visit, except in certain specific cases (for people benefiting from full care, accident victims labor …) Medical radiology, blood test, sutures … everything is billable. Fortunately, health insurance covers 80% of the total cost of care. The complementary health then takes care of reimbursing the user fee. France Inter points out that 95% of French people are covered by complementary health insurance, but that 5% do not. And 40% of students do not have a mutual. A situation that was highlighted during the Committee on Social Affairs, but still pending.

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Journalist who likes the versatility that his job can offer. Specialized in the historical field, societal subjects and auteur films, against a background of electronic music. University curriculum based …