Negotiations over medical tariffs between the National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam) and liberal doctors’ unions, which were suspended in early April, are set to resume on May 16, as announced by the public organization on Friday, May 3. The upcoming negotiations will be open to unions willing to reach an agreement and may extend into the following day. The goal of these two days of negotiations is to allow different unions to have a final text by the evening of May 17, which they can then submit to their internal bodies and members. These tariff negotiations aim to increase the remuneration of practitioners in exchange for collective commitments to access to care.
The specialist doctors’ union, Avenir Spé-Le Bloc, which plays a crucial role in the negotiation process, has confirmed its participation in the upcoming round of talks. Dr. Patrick Gasser, co-president of Avenir Spé-Le Bloc, stated that there have been advances in informal discussions with the Cnam management, leading to the decision to return to the negotiation table. This union holds significant influence in the negotiation process as it can sign on behalf of specialist doctors. MG France, representing general practitioners, had already expressed readiness to resume discussions.
Disagreements arose over proposed tariff adjustments in early April as talks on medical tariffs for the next five years seemed to be nearing a conclusion. The suspension was initiated by specialist doctors’ unions, who objected to the proposed tariffs, as well as the tariffs planned for private clinics in 2024, where many of them practice. The government plans to increase tariffs for private clinics by 0.3% in 2024, compared to a 4.3% increase for public hospitals. This difference was justified by Health Minister Frédéric Valletoux, citing the strong growth in the private sector in recent years, which contributed to a slower tariff increase. Specialist doctor unions viewed this as a direct attack on their profession.
The resumption of negotiations with the Cnam does not negate Avenir Spé-Le Bloc’s support for private clinics, which are engaged in separate negotiations with the government. The ongoing negotiations with private clinics do not conflict with the talks with the Cnam. The disparity in tariff adjustments between public and private healthcare facilities continues to be a point of contention for specialist doctors, who view it as a threat to the survival of smaller clinics already facing financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, the negotiations aim to find a balance between remuneration for practitioners and ensuring access to quality care for patients. The willingness of unions to engage in discussions signifies a commitment to finding a resolution that benefits both doctors and patients.
