Mayalène Trémolet / Photo credits: XOSE BOUZAS / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP
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9:25 a.m., November 6, 2023
The immigration law arrives in the Senate this Monday and with it, the return of debates on state medical aid (AME). Access to care from which foreigners in an irregular situation can benefit, according to certain criteria. In 2022, this aid cost the State 1.2 billion euros.
The immigration bill arrives in the Senate this Monday. A text, supported by the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, built on several pillars: facilitating expulsions, a minimum level of French required to obtain a residence permit, regularizing foreigners who work in so-called shortage professions and a annual debate on immigration quotas. Another measure is provided for by the text, that of the transformation of State medical aid (AME) into emergency medical aid (AMU). The AME, which offers medical care to foreigners in an irregular situation, cost the State 1.2 billion euros in 2022, according to a report from the National Assembly. A cost that is too high for the right, which therefore wishes to reduce its scope of action.
Darmanin in favor of AMU
“For people in an irregular situation, there is a basket of care almost equivalent to what exists for the French. The trajectory will become financially unsustainable. We are asking for emergency medical aid, like what is happening made in neighboring countries. If the care basket is reduced, there will necessarily be savings”, says LR MP Véronique Louwagie, at the origin of this bill, who is alarmed by an increase in beneficiaries of AME: +40% in ten years.
On this subject, the majority’s position remains vague. The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, says he is personally in favor of the AMU, while the government spokesperson, Olivier Véran, defends a public health measure. Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne commissioned a report last month to determine whether or not adaptations to the AME are necessary. The government will have to take into account the position of the Republicans, whose votes are essential to pass the immigration bill, in the absence of an absolute majority.