The National Audit Office recommends direct account seizure for improperly paid medical copayments

Paris – May 28, 2026: Considering the ongoing deficits of the French social welfare system, the Court of Auditors has proposed an extreme measure to directly seize the bank accounts of insured persons who have not paid their medical co-payments. This measure is already stipulated in the law but has never been enforced so far.

Medical co-payments, also known as “franchises médicales,” are amounts that patients pay out of pocket for part of the cost of medical services. Although they represent a relatively small proportion of total healthcare system expenditures, the unpaid amounts reach millions of euros. The Court of Auditors argues that the non-payment of these co-payments significantly contributes to the financial deficit of the social welfare system.

If the proposed measure is implemented, authorities would be able to access the bank accounts of insured persons who have not paid and collect the unpaid amounts directly. This method is already regulated by French law but has never been used. The Court of Auditors emphasizes that this measure would not only help reduce the deficit but also send a signal to insured persons that they must fulfill their financial obligations diligently.

However, critics warn about the social impact this measure could have. They point out the risk that low-income households could bear an excessive burden and that direct account seizures could severely affect the financial stability of those concerned.

The discussion about whether to implement this measure is not yet concluded. It remains to be seen whether the government will accept the Court of Auditors’ recommendation and proceed with the related legal procedures. In the past, similar proposals have often been rejected or modified due to potential social consequences.

The Court of Auditors has previously pointed out problems in the medical sector several times and recommended reforms. Some proposals have been implemented, but many recommendations have not yielded substantial results. However, due to the current urgent budget situation and the continued social welfare deficit, the recommendation for direct account seizure of co-payments may carry more weight.

Overall, the debate surrounding medical co-payments and the proposed measures by the Court of Auditors reflects the challenges faced by the French health system. It is hoped that future reforms will secure financial sustainability while adequately reflecting the social needs of the population.

The discussion about direct account seizure of unpaid medical co-payments is part of a broader debate on French health financing and insured persons’ responsibilities. While there are voices emphasizing the need to reduce deficits, there are also concerns about social consequences. Finding a balanced solution that ensures both financial sustainability and social justice remains a major challenge for French politics.