This Friday, October 22, 2021, the deputies of the National Assembly validated the social security financing bill (PLFSS) for 2022. And this one contains several good news for our health:
- The prescription of glasses by orthoptists
This very controversial measure (which is at the origin of a strike by ophthalmologists until October 31 next) should allow orthoptists to prescribe glasses without prior consultation with an ophthalmologist. The objective: to fight against waiting times to obtain an appointment with an ophthalmologist, which are often quite long.
- Direct access to physiotherapists and speech therapists
Still to facilitate access to care, it will now be possible to make an appointment with a physiotherapist or a speech therapist without a doctor’s prescription, provided that he practices in a coordinated care structure (a medical center or a health, for example). This measure will first be tested for 3 years in 6 departments.
- Reimbursement for 8 sessions with the psychologist
For children from 3 years old and adults suffering from depressive or anxiety disorders, of mild to moderate intensity, 8 sessions with a psychologist will be reimbursed, provided they have a doctor’s prescription. These sessions will be reimbursed up to 40 euros for the first assessment session, 30 euros for the following ones, with no excess fees authorized. “Volunteer psychologists will be selected“says the bill, however.
- Contraception coverage for women aged 18 to 25
Already free for minors, contraception will soon be fully covered by Social Security for women aged 18 to 25. In detail, Health Insurance will cover 100% and third-party payment of the various costs: one consultation per year with a doctor or midwife, the necessary biological examinations, as well as contraceptives (certain pills, implants , IUDs, diaphragms and emergency contraception). However, the following are not concerned: the female condom, spermicides and the vaginal ring.
- Extended “caregiver” leave
The “caregiver” leave will be extended to carers who assist people with GIR4 disabilities – at present, only GIR1 to GIR3 disabilities (the heaviest) are eligible for this leave. In addition, compensation will be increased: while currently, family carers in couples receive 43 euros net per day and 52 euros per day when they are isolated, it will rise to 58 euros net per day. This financial increase will also concern leave for a seriously ill child.
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