A 15% tax on lab payments to pharmacies could fund 120M euros for France, but debates rage over how the money should be used.
Tax proposal generates revenue
A proposed 15% tax on a portion of remuneration paid by laboratories to pharmacy groups could generate 120 million euros for the state if Article 10 of the 2027 Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS) is adopted in its current form. The tax, which would take effect starting January 1, 2027, has sparked debate over how the funds would be allocated.Pharmaceutical unions voice concerns
Fabrice Camaioni, president of the Federation of French Pharmaceutical Unions (FSPF), expressed concern that the state may not reinvest the money back into pharmacies. He emphasized the need for the 120 million euros to be allocated to pharmacies to support remuneration reform.Health Insurance system has different view
The Health Insurance system does not agree, stating that discussions with the Cnam and the Social Security Direction (DSS) previously suggested the funds would go to the Health Insurance. This divergence highlights the ongoing disagreement over the intended use of the generated revenue.Report suggests support for pharmacies
The IGAS/IGF report, which underpins Article 10 of the PLFSS, recommends using the amount to strengthen the economic balance of pharmacies. Negotiations for the fourth addendum to reform remuneration are set to begin soon.Uncertainty remains about funding needs
Camaioni insists that the money belongs to pharmacists and must be considered in the discussions. However, he acknowledges that 120 million euros may not be sufficient to fund the change in the economic model, as the exact amount needed depends on the strategy planned to improve remuneration, which remains undefined.