Health plan shifts funding for thermal care

The French government plans to transfer 200 million euros in funding for thermal care from the main health insurance system to private health insurance supplements, as announced by Health Minister Stéphanie Rist under the 2027 Social Security Financing Bill.

Critics call the move a discontinuation

The National Council of Thermal Establishments (CNETh) argues that the term "transfer" hides a discontinuation of reimbursement for thermal treatments, which could leave patients without coverage. The plan lacks specific details on how the change will be implemented.

Previous attempt to cut coverage rejected

Last year, the National Assembly voted against an amendment that would have partially reduced coverage for thermal treatments, with 167 members opposing it and only 24 supporting it. This suggests that cutting such coverage is a sensitive issue.

Thermal treatments are not a major expense

Thermal treatments account for just 0.1% of the overall costs of the French Health Insurance, yet they are used by about 500,000 people each year. These patients are often elderly individuals with chronic conditions and limited income.

Impact on patients and insurance providers

The change could force patients to pay out-of-pocket if their private insurance does not cover the gap left by the reduced public funding. Alternatively, if private insurers do cover the costs, they may raise premiums for all their members, increasing financial pressure on the entire insured population.

Thermal care supports both health and local jobs

Thermal treatments offer supervised care, medical follow-up, and prevention of loss of autonomy. They also support local economies, as 70% of thermal centers are in small towns with fewer than 5,000 residents. The sector employs around 25,000 people and relies on local doctors and health professionals.

Scientific evaluation not yet completed

The government requested the High Authority for Health (HAS) to evaluate the medical effectiveness of thermal treatments in February 2026. The CNETh argues it is premature to cut funding before receiving the HAS’s findings, which could influence the decision-making process.

Calls for more transparency and debate

The CNETh urges the government to abandon the transfer and calls on lawmakers to address the issue during the review of the 2027 Social Security Financing Bill. They emphasize the need for decisions based on medical and scientific evidence rather than budgetary considerations alone.