In French pharmacies, only vulnerable people, aged or suffering from a long-term condition can now carry out COVVI-19 tests reimbursed by health insurance.
- Health insurance has not reimbursed COVVI-19 screening tests in pharmacies since March 1.
- Pharmacy tests continue to be taken care of for vulnerable people, aged or suffering from a long -term condition.
- For the others, it is recommended to make self -tests.
Five years after the pandemic, the measures taken to fight COVID-19 gradually disappear. Since March 1, health insurance has not reimbursed the screening tests carried out in pharmacies. The decision was published in a decree of the Official Journal of February 22 devoted to the repeal of various measures to manage the health crisis.
Pharmacy: reimbursement of tests reserved for the most fragile
“”This decision, made by the Ministry of Health, marks the end of a period when these tests were fully taken care of (around 16.50 €) by health insuranceannounces the Ministry of Health on its site. From now on, you will have to assume the cost of antigenic and PCR tests. “ An exception remains for the most fragile: vulnerable people, the elderly or people in long -term affection will continue to benefit from a refund on medical prescription.
COVVI-19 screening tests: pharmacists ask for care
On February 25, three days after the publication of the decree, pharmacists expressed their disagreement with this announcement. In a press releasethe Union of Unions of Frame Pharmacists declares “His bright opposition in the face of the decision of the public authorities to stop almost all of the epidemic braking measures, and in particular the reimbursement of antigenic tests“This decision is perceived as”a significant decline in the prevention and early diagnostic strategy of viral infections “. The USPO requests to integrate these antigenic tests into ordinary law in order to guarantee management. “”Currently, no perspective is envisaged for next winter concerning the rapid proximity screening of acute viral respiratory infections, while a preventive approach is essential to limit the unnecessary prescription for antibiotics and promote rapid care of patients “underlines the text.
COVID-19: What are the alternatives to the pharmacy test?
For its part, the Ministry of Health calls for patients to find solutions. “”Find out about the available screening alternatives and consult your attending physician for any questions relating to your personal situation “recommends the Ministry of Health. It is always possible to make a screening, at your expense, in pharmacies as in laboratories. The ministry recalls that the self -tests, which are not reimbursed, are one “Accessible option for quick and reliable screening“. They are sold in pharmacies at a price between 3.35 and 5.20 euros. TheHealth insurance recommends using them in children from three years old and in adults. “”This self-pronouncement mode requires introducing swabs less deep than the nasopharyngeal sample practiced for conventional tests (RT-PCR and antigenic test), specifies the organization. The result is given after 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.“”
