France's patient charge reformed this year

French Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot has said the initial announcements on the revamping of the patient charges system (Marketletters passim) will be made "during the summer." She added that the government would review reimbursement for health care through the health funds and legislation would follow in first-half 2009. The text of the legislation will re-define the areas of reimbursement and mark them off from those which are seen as the patient's responsibility.

President Nicolas Sarkozy previously said he wanted a public discussion on the question of health care financing similar to that which he argues has already taken place in neighboring countries. A government review is also underway into the problem of funding chronic long-term conditions which currently qualify for full reimbursement. This area, which accounts for 60% of total health fund annual spending, is expected to create growing pressure for payers as population aging continues.

In related news, the French drug industry association (LEEM), in partnership with the French Association for a Responsible Self-Medication (AFPIA) and three pharmacy unions (FSPF, UNPF and UPSO) have signed an agreement on best practices in light of the new over-the-counter drug retailing rules.