On July 12, 2021, Emmanuel Macron announced the end of free screening tests in order to encourage unvaccinated people to receive an anti-Covid-19 serum. During an interview with Les Échos, Jean Castex unveiled the date and terms of this new device.
Several screening methods exist to diagnose a Covid-19 infection. PCR and antigen tests make it possible in particular to know if a patient is infected at time T, while serological tests make it possible to look for antibodies indicating a previous infection with the coronavirus.
For now, Covid-19 screening tests are reimbursed by Health Insurance, but this device will soon evolve. On July 12, Emmanuel Macron announced the end of the free testing of so-called “of comfort” in the coming months. These screening tests make it possible to generate the health pass so that non-vaccinated people can access places of culture, leisure and health.
Asked by the Echoes, Prime Minister Jean Castex, indicated thatFrom October 15, 2021, screening tests will become chargeable for those who are not vaccinated. which do not present a medical prescription. “Tests will continue to be reimbursed for medical reasons, either without prescription for people already vaccinated, or on prescription for others”, detailed the head of government. Free admission will be maintained for minors.
The health pass will soon be extended to 12-17 year olds
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Based on information from Echoes, the cost of the screening campaign is estimated at 2.2 billion euros in 2020 and 4.9 billion euros in 2021. As of October 15, a PCR test should cost around 43.89 euros and the price of ‘an antigen test is estimated at 25 euros.
“The logic is to reimburse the tests linked to really medical reasons, and to continue to encourage to be vaccinated”, underlined Jean Castex. The Prime Minister also affirmed that the epidemic situation is currently “under control” in France, but‘”it is too early to lift the barrier gestures or the health pass”. This document will also be extended to adolescents aged 12 to 17 as of next Wednesday.