Court of Auditors recommends direct bank seizure for unpaid medical co-payments

Paris – 28.05.2026: Given the persistent deficit of the French social security system, the Cour des comptes, the country’s highest financial supervisory authority, has proposed a drastic measure: the direct seizure of bank accounts of insured persons who do not pay their medical co-payments. This measure is already anchored in the law but has never been applied until now.

The medical co-payments, also called “franchises médicales,” are patient payments for medical services. Although they represent a relatively small share of the total health system expenditures, the outstanding amounts add up to several million euros. The Cour des comptes argues that non-payment of these co-payments makes a significant contribution to the social security budget deficit.

The proposed measure would allow authorities direct access to the bank accounts of defaulters to collect the outstanding amounts. This procedure is already provided for in French legislation but has never been implemented to date. The Cour des comptes emphasizes that applying this measure would not only help reduce the deficit but also send a signal to insured persons to fulfill their financial obligations.

However, criticism warns of the possible social consequences of such a measure. There are fears that especially low-income households would be disproportionately burdened. It is also pointed out that direct seizure of bank accounts could significantly harm the financial stability of the individuals involved.

The discussion about the implementation of this measure is not yet concluded. It remains to be seen whether the government will adopt the advice of the Cour des comptes and take the necessary legislative steps. In the past, similar proposals have often been rejected or modified due to potential social consequences.

In the past, the Cour des comptes has repeatedly pointed out shortcomings in healthcare and recommended reforms. Although some of its proposals have been implemented, many recommendations have remained without concrete consequences. However, the current recommendation for direct bank account seizure could carry more weight given the urgency of the budget situation and the ongoing social security deficit.

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

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