In its annual report, the French National Health Insurance Fund (Assurance Maladie) calls for a ban on tobacco sales for everyone born after 2009, aiming to create a "tobacco-free generation." It draws inspiration from the United Kingdom, which recently became the second country to adopt a similar measure. According to its director general, Thomas Fatôme, current policies (price increases, health warnings) remain insufficient compared to the results achieved by neighboring European countries.
The agency also wants to make the Nutri-Score mandatory on packaged products and add an indication of their level of ultra-processing. For Samira Lehaine, chair of the Cnam board, prevention must become a priority, as it represents a crucial investment for the coming decade.
The report notes that the national health insurance deficit is expected to reach €13.8 billion in 2026, then climb to €15 billion in 2027 and €17 billion in 2029.
Among the other proposed measures: mandatory helmet use for cyclists and on personal motorized vehicles from the age of 12, in response to the rise in accidents (up 7.6% in 2024, and a doubling since 2017). The national health insurance system also suggests a national pneumococcal vaccination campaign for those over 65, given that less than 20% of this age group are vaccinated and the cost of associated infections exceeds €2.7 billion per year.
Regarding cost savings, the report recommends a reduction in cancer treatment escalation, without compromising patient outcomes, as well as a review of the prescription guidelines for Vyndaqel, one of the most expensive drugs for the national health insurance system. All of these measures would aim to generate €3.9 billion in annual savings by 2030 to ensure the sustainability of the system.
Frank Verain
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