The French government has announced that wheelchairs will be fully reimbursed by the end of 2024, fulfilling a promise made by President Emmanuel Macron during a national conference on disability in April 2023. The initial budget for this measure was estimated to be around 300 million euros, which was deemed insufficient to cover the full reimbursement of all wheelchairs, both manual and electric. Negotiations between the Social Security Directorate, manufacturers, and distributors have been ongoing to ensure the implementation of this initiative.
In order to increase the budget allocated to this measure, the government has requested additional funds from the President, which he has accepted. The exact amount of the budget increase has not been disclosed in order to avoid influencing ongoing negotiations with manufacturers. The reimbursement for wheelchairs, whether manual or electric, will be covered by the National Health Service and supplementary health insurance, with no out-of-pocket costs for users. The prices of manual wheelchairs can reach up to 10,000 euros, while electric wheelchairs can cost up to 50,000 euros.
The original plan proposed a reimbursement base of 2,600 euros for manual wheelchairs and 18,000 euros for electric wheelchairs. However, these figures are subject to change as negotiations continue. The goal is to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for users, which currently average around 900 euros per person. The government aims to involve disability associations more directly in the negotiation process, with the goal of improving the proposed reimbursement plan and ensuring that all stakeholders are represented.
A second round of negotiations is set to begin in the coming days, with a focus on including input from organizations such as the Handicaps Collective and APF France Handicap. It is estimated that approximately one million people in France require a wheelchair, with a majority of them being elderly individuals. As the population ages, the demand for wheelchairs is expected to increase, making it crucial to ensure that these essential mobility devices are accessible and affordable for all who need them.
Overall, the government’s commitment to fully reimburse wheelchairs by the end of 2024 is a significant step towards improving accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities in France. By increasing the budget allocated to this measure and involving relevant stakeholders in the negotiation process, the government aims to address the financial burden faced by wheelchair users and ensure that essential mobility devices are accessible to all who need them. The upcoming negotiations will play a crucial role in determining the final reimbursement plan and ensuring that it meets the needs of those who rely on wheelchairs for daily mobility.
