French Healthcare System Proposes €3.9 Billion Savings to Address Growing Deficit
The French CNAM proposes €3.9 billion in savings for 2026 to counter a looming healthcare deficit.
Key Points
- • CNAM proposes €3.9 billion savings for 2026 budget.
- • Projected deficit for the healthcare system could reach €19.4 billion by 2029.
- • Thomas Fatôme emphasizes need for structural reform in healthcare.
- • Document will guide parliamentary discussions on Social Security funding.
The Caisse nationale d’Assurance-maladie (CNAM) has proposed significant reforms aimed at achieving €3.9 billion in savings for the 2026 budget, responding to an escalating financial crisis in France’s healthcare system that is projected to face a deficit of €16 billion this year, potentially rising to €19.4 billion by 2029. The proposal represents a substantial increase from last year's budget savings target and points to a critical need for sustainable financial solutions in healthcare.
Thomas Fatôme, the head of CNAM, highlighted the urgent necessity for "structural choices" to secure the future of the French healthcare system. He noted that this plan will be central to upcoming discussions in parliament regarding the Social Security funding law, marking a pivotal moment for healthcare policy in France. The CNAM's report underscores the ongoing financial strains that have been worsened by unfinanced commitments, particularly the significant wage increases for healthcare workers that were put in place in 2020.
As the country grapples with this financial complexity, the proposed savings will serve as a foundation for broader healthcare reforms aimed at mitigating the deficit while ensuring the sustainability of health services across France.