The French Minister of Health, Stéphanie Rist, has announced plans to replace the current policy of doubling medical franchises—annual out-of-pocket costs for drugs and consultations—with a new system that sets an annual cap indexed to inflation. This change, which would result in higher out-of-pocket expenses for some patients, is aimed at managing the overall costs of the national health insurance system. The current cap has remained at 50 euros since 2005, and the proposed new cap would be set at 140 euros, with an average increase of 10 euros for the population. By adjusting the cap according to inflation, the government hopes to ensure the long-term sustainability of the health system, particularly as the population ages and healthcare costs rise. Rist also highlighted the ongoing impact of a prolonged heatwave that lasted three months and led to an excess mortality of 7,000 people by the end of July. The heatwave disproportionately affected isolated individuals living alone in large cities. While France's health system has performed better than its neighbors, such as Germany, during this period, concerns remain about the most vulnerable groups, especially those living alone. Since the 2003 heatwave, improvements have been made, including better-trained staff and cooler rooms in Ehpad (elderly care) facilities. However, challenges persist for those who remain isolated at home. In response to financial pressures on the social protection system, Rist called for a broader public discussion on how to fund the health system sustainably. The government is considering introducing a second "solidarity day," a measure previously used after the 2003 heatwave to support the most vulnerable. However, no official decision has been made yet, and the government plans to propose specific budgetary measures to control health insurance spending. Additionally, efforts are underway to reduce the growing costs of sick leave, which reached 18 billion euros in 2022, with a 7% annual increase. New rules are being introduced to limit sick leave to a month, renewable once before requiring further approval. Over 33,000 air conditioners have been installed in hospitals and 16,000 in Ehpad facilities to help combat the effects of extreme heat. The government is also addressing concerns about rising costs from health mutuals and private insurance supplements. These organizations have been increasing their rates, prompting the government to seek solutions to prevent further hikes. A constitutional question has been submitted to the Constitutional Council regarding an amendment that previously limited mutuals' ability to raise their rates, indicating the complexity of balancing cost control with the rights of private insurers.