The Prime Minister confirmed the government’s change of footing on state medical aid, with the executive now in favor of freezing its credits.
In an interview with Sunday Newspaperpublished on October 20, Michel Barnier returned to several current topics, including the 2025 budget, New Caledonia, the law on the end of life, and the fate of people in an irregular situation in France. He wants “control of expenses” for state medical aid (AME).
This system, which allows foreigners in an irregular situation to benefit from access to care, has been at the heart of debates since Bruno Retailleau, Minister of the Interior, spoke out in favor of reforming it into “emergency medical aid”. It was then disavowed by Michel Barnier. The finance bill, presented by his government, was rather for a slight increase in AME spending. But at the start of the week, the executive changed gear and said it was in favor of freezing aid credits, recalls The Parisian.
“Spirit of dialogue”
“It is important to ensure that the AME is never diverted from its goal, namely a public health tool,” believes Michel Barnier in the JDD. Thus confirming the change of foot of the executive. And added: “The government and Parliament will take all measures to ensure that these do not progress further.” Opinion recalls that in 2024 the AME represented around 0.5% of health expenditure planned by the Social Security budget (PLFSS). It had 466,000 beneficiaries at the end of 2023.
The Prime Minister also positioned himself on the issue of Obligations to Leave the Territory (OQTF). He wishes to “extend or resume discussions” with countries which refuse the return of their nationals affected by an OQTF, “in a spirit of dialogue”. “We will not do it aggressively, but by laying down all the tools of bilateral cooperation,” he added.