Two new decrees concerning the management of medical leave in France, approved by the Council of State, will soon be published in the Official Journal, according to the Ministry of Health. These decrees aim to address what the government describes as misuse of the system. One of the decrees targets a practice known as "medical nomadism," where individuals visit multiple doctors to obtain multiple medical leave certificates. This allows them to take extended time off work, often without a legitimate medical need. According to the French Social Security system, 13,000 insured individuals obtained five separate medical leave certificates from different general practitioners in 2024, averaging twelve days of leave each. These individuals have already been identified, and they will be required to repay part of the benefits they received or face a financial penalty. The second decree, set to take effect in mid-October, addresses a broader group of people. In 2023, 400,000 individuals were on medical leave for more than six months due to conditions like depression or musculoskeletal disorders (TMS), but without a chronic or serious illness. The government has decided to reduce the duration of compensation for such long-term leaves from three years to one year. This change is expected to save the Health Insurance system more than three billion euros annually. In return, the Ministry of Health has pledged to improve the follow-up care for these patients, ensuring they receive better medical support and treatment. In addition to these changes, the government has announced a 40% increase in medical co-payments for patients. This means individuals will pay a larger share of their medical expenses out-of-pocket. The move is part of a broader effort to reduce the financial burden on the Health Insurance system while encouraging more responsible use of medical resources. The government argues that these measures will ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system and prevent the misuse of medical leave. These reforms come amid growing concerns over the rising costs of the French healthcare system. Officials emphasize that the changes are intended to balance the need for patient care with the financial realities of maintaining a robust healthcare infrastructure. While some critics argue that the measures may place additional strain on patients, the government maintains that they are necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the system.