questioned security loophole: could thermal treatments secure reimbursement in future?
Government Proposal to Haltere Thermal Cure Reimbursements Sparks Controversy
A potential change in state spending has been brought up as the government looks to reduce expenses. The Court of Auditors has recommended ending reimbursements for thermal cures prescribed by general practitioners, prompting unease among patients and spas.
At an Aix-les-Bains establishment, patients express reluctance to abandon their treatments. Marcel Chavanon, a chronic bronchitis sufferer, stated, "For three years, I haven't used an antibiotic, I haven't had any bronchitis, any respiratory problems, whereas all my life I've had issues of this kind."
According to these patients, thermal cures are not vacations, but rather treatments with health benefits. The prospect of no reimbursement has led the establishment to fear losing its primary patient base of 19,000.
Cost-effectiveness and budgetary constraints are likely factors in the Court of Auditors' recommendation. Health economist Frédéric Bizard noted that while thermal cures annually cost the Social Security 200 million euros, representing only 0.1% of the overall budget, there is doubt about their effectiveness.
Similar concerns have been raised in Enghien-les-Bains, a historical center for thermalism. Céline Meglioli, director of local establishments, dismissed the idea as potentially ending their activity. The station has also been affected by Covid-19, with fewer than 300 spa-goers in 2021 compared to over 500 prior to 2020.
The loss of reimbursement for thermal cures may lead to reduced access, increased out-of-pocket costs, and a negative impact on the quality of life for patients. Thermal establishments might experience financial instability, potential staff layoffs, and closures due to the loss of patients. Local economies could also be affected as a result of decreased tourism and business activity.
Health professionals remain divided on the effectiveness of thermal cures. While some question their efficacy, others argue that the Court of Auditor's suggestion of no reimbursement is misguided. Despite the ongoing debate, the recommended change remains a topic of contention among patients, thermal establishments, and local economies.
- The proposal to halt reimbursements for thermal cures raises concerns about insurance coverage, as these treatments often fall under health-and-wellness and therapies-and-treatments policies.
- The financial implications of this decision extend beyond the healthcare sector, with potential consequences for the fitness-and-exercise industry, as many patients seek fitness programs as part of their overall health-and-wellness routine.
- Nutrition experts are also weighing in on the issue, as the loss of reimbursement could impact the diets of those who rely on meals provided by the thermal establishments.
- Politicians and government officials are facing pressure to reconsider the decision due to the economic impact it could have on local economies, potentially affecting general-news reporting on finance and politics.
