The Court of Auditors recommends direct seizures in bank accounts for unpaid medical co-payments

Paris – 28.05.2026: In view of the persistent deficit of the French social security system, the Cour des comptes, the country’s highest financial control authority, has proposed a drastic measure: the direct seizure of the bank accounts of insured persons who have not paid their medical copayments. This measure is already provided for by law, but so far it has never been applied.

Medical copayments, also called “franchises médicales,” are patient contributions to the cost of medical services. Although they represent a relatively small part of the total healthcare system expenditure, the accumulated debts amount to several million euros. The Cour des comptes maintains that the non-payment of these copayments contributes significantly to the budget deficit of social security.

The proposed measure would allow authorities direct access to the bank accounts of delinquent insured persons to collect the outstanding amounts. This procedure is already stipulated in French legislation, but until now it has never been implemented. The Cour des comptes emphasizes that applying this measure would not only help reduce the deficit but also send a clear message to insured persons to fulfill their financial obligations.

However, critics warn of the possible social repercussions of such a measure. They fear that especially low-income households could be excessively affected. Moreover, they point out that the direct seizure of bank accounts could severely affect the financial stability of the people involved.

The debate on the implementation of this measure has not yet concluded. It remains to be seen whether the government will adopt the recommendation of the Cour des comptes and take the corresponding legislative steps. In the past, similar proposals were frequently rejected or modified due to their potential social consequences.

The Cour des comptes has pointed out problems in the healthcare system on several occasions and recommended reforms. Although some of its proposals have been implemented, many recommendations have not led to concrete consequences. However, the current recommendation regarding the direct seizure of accounts could gain greater relevance given the urgency of the budgetary situation and the persistent social security deficit.

Overall, the debate about medical copayments and the measure proposed by the Cour des comptes highlights the challenges facing the French healthcare system. It is to be hoped that future reforms will ensure both the financial sustainability of the system and the social needs of the population.

The discussion about the direct seizure of bank accounts due to unpaid medical copayments is part of a broader debate on the financing of the French healthcare system and the responsibility of insured persons. While some emphasize the need to reduce the deficit, others warn about the social consequences of such measures. Finding a balanced solution that guarantees financial sustainability and social justice remains a challenge for French politics.