Health: what will change in 2023 – Care path and health system

In various areas of health and social protection, several strong measures will come into force in 2023, especially for young people and childcare.

As for health:

The male condom is available free of charge in pharmacies for young people under 26

minors or adults, all young people under the age of 26 can now get male condoms for free in pharmacies, without a prescription. This measure was announced last December by Emmanuel Macron, the President of the Republic. It went into effect on January 1st.

This decision complements a system already in force since 2022 which allows young women, aged 12 to 25, to receive most contraceptives at the pharmacy, without upfront charges. But they must present a prescription and their Vitale card (or a health insurance eligibility certificate). Please note that consultations with a doctor or midwife, as well as the necessary tests for contraception, are also free.

Currently, the female condom is always excluded from this device. Other contraceptives also remain paid for young people: certain pills, PatchesThey vaginal ringsThey cervical coats as well as spermicides.

Lab tests for STDs other than HIV without a prescription

From now on, it is possible to be screened, in a medical biology laboratory, for some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without having to present a prescription. Until now, this was only possible for HIV-AIDS. For young people under the age of 26, this screening exam is 100% covered by Assurance Maladie.

We are still awaiting the publication of the decrees which will establish the list of interested STIs.

The morning after pill free for adults

From 1 January all women, regardless of their age, can benefit free of charge, in pharmacies and without a prescription, hormonal emergency contraception, better known as the “morning-after pill”. Until now, this device was reserved for young underage women.

As a reminder:The morning after pill consists of a single tablet to be taken as soon as possible, within 3-5 days (depending on its composition)who engage in sexual intercourse without contraception.

Seven new rare diseases detected in children at birth

Starting this year, seven new rare diseases will be screened for newborns (three amino acid disorders, two organic aciduria and two beta oxidation deficiencies). With the parents’ agreement, this newborn screening will be carried out 48 to 72 hours after birth, by taking a few drops of blood from the baby’s heel (Guthrie’s test).

Six pathologies have already been screened in newborns at birth (phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, cystic fibrosis, MCAD deficiency and sickle cell disease). This will bring the total to thirteen rare diseases researched at birth.

It should also be noted that in 2023, experiments could be conducted, in some territories, to generalize newborn screening for sickle cell disease to all newborns. Currently, this hereditary genetic disease, which affects red blood cells, is only being sought in children from populations at risk due to their origins. You must know sickle cell anemia is the most common genetic disease in France.

All birth screenings for rare diseases are free for families.

Prevention appointments “at the key stages of life”

The Ministry of Health is setting up “prevention appointments” which will be “individualized and adapted to the needs of each person”, reads a statement. They will be offered in very specific life spans: 20-25 years, 40-45 years and finally 60-65 years.. This may involve consultations of prevention of cancer or addiction but also education and information sessions for promote physical and sporting activity, healthy eating, etc. “Special attention will be paid identification of sexual and gender-based violenceto the Mental healthgarlic infertility problems it’s at the situation of the caregiver “, indicates the ministry.

As regards social protection:

Invalidity benefit extended to intellectual disabilities and deafblindness

The criteria for eligibility for human assistance from Disability Compensation (PCH) benefit have just been extended to meet the specific needs of people with intellectual, cognitive or psychological disabilities. The so-called deafblind are also concernedthat is, bearers of the double handicap of deafness and blindness.

The PCH makes it possible to finance certain expenses linked to the loss of independence of a disabled person (in particular the use of a life aid for toileting and meals, adaptation of accommodation or vehicle, purchase of a wheels or transport costs).

Health services open to all students, not just academics

University students have been the only ones to benefit up to now from specific health services dedicated to students. These facilities are now open to all those pursuing higher education, whatever their background. Thereby, they change their name to now be called ‘Student Health Services’ or SSE (and no longer “university health services”). Their missions are also strengthened to encompass all areas of student health, especially mental health, sexuality, prevention and fight against addictions and nutrition.

Simplified access to supplementary health insurance for young people under 25

Complementary health care (CSS) is a system that allows low-income people to be reimbursed for the part of their health care costs not covered by social security. Now, yesIf an adult under the age of 25 lives under the same roof as a person receiving RSA (revenu de solidarité active), this young person automatically benefits from CSS.

For caring for a child, the cost of using a babysitter has been brought into line with that of daycare

Until then, having your child looked after by a babysitter cost more than putting them in daycare. But starting this year, the final amount families will pay will be the same for both types of child care. To do it, the economic assistance provided to families who turn to a carer will be re-evaluated. In the end, parents who place their child in childcare will spend less.

For single parent families, extended childcare up to the age of 12

The financial support paid to parents who bring up their children alone, for the care of the latter, ceased when the children were 6 years old. It is now extended up to the age of 12.