Concerns over the proposed ‘rabbit tax’ are rising among patients as the French government considers its implementation to address missed medical appointments. While some view it as a way to encourage responsibility, others criticize it as a sign of societal decline. Estimates indicate 27 million missed consultations occur annually in France. Suggestions include reducing reimbursements for no-shows and taxing online bookings, though opposition exists from platforms like Doctolib. The fee’s amount and effectiveness remain hotly debated among medical professionals and unions.
The Rabbit Tax: A Growing Concern Among Patients
Two patients interviewed during a recent report shared their insights on the controversial ‘rabbit tax’ while at a medical office in Clamart, Hauts-de-Seine. One patient expressed support, stating, “It’s a good thing, as it encourages patients to take responsibility.” Conversely, the other felt it was indicative of a broader societal issue, noting, “It’s a lack of civility. However, in today’s world, there’s not much we can do about it.” Meanwhile, the government led by François Bayrou is seriously considering the implementation of this tax. Health Minister Catherine Vautrin recently announced her plans to incorporate this measure into the draft law for financing Social Security (PLFSS) for 2025, which is set to be reviewed at the National Assembly this Monday, despite lingering questions regarding its practical execution.
The Impact of Unhonored Appointments
The implications are significant, with estimates suggesting up to “27 million unhonored consultations” occur annually in France, according to the National Academy of Medicine and the National Council of the Order of Physicians. Dr. Jérôme Marty, president of the French Union for Free Medicine (UMFL-S), advocates for centralizing this issue under Health Insurance, proposing that patients who miss appointments without notice face reduced reimbursement during subsequent visits. This idea is gaining traction, although the Minister of Health has stated that further details will unfold through decrees following the budget approval.
Another potential approach involves directly taxing patients online via booking platforms using their bank details. However, Doctolib, the primary appointment platform, has voiced its opposition, arguing that traditional secretariats experience a higher incidence of no-shows. They believe that an effective solution must address all appointment booking methods. “If the secretariat spends its day managing credit card information, it detracts from assisting both the doctor and the patient,” Doctolib pointed out.
Dr. Arnaud Semerciyan, a physician from Clamart, expressed skepticism about the practicality of such measures, stating, “We are not restaurants that take credit card imprints for bookings. Personally, I won’t implement it.” Concerns arise that the ‘rabbit tax’ might disproportionately affect online bookings, which ironically have lower rates of absenteeism. Doctolib has raised alarms about potential barriers to healthcare access, highlighting that “5% of French people lack a credit card and 15% struggle with digital literacy.”
As discussions continue, the proposed tax amount and its distribution remain contentious. Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal suggested a fee of 5 euros, which the Socialists now wish to limit to one or two euros. Meanwhile, many medical unions argue that such fees would fail to deter no-shows effectively. Should France consider the German model, where similar taxes are often set by doctors themselves? Some German unions are even pushing for this fee to reach 100 euros. One thing is clear: any revenue generated in France would support Social Security rather than the general budget, as Minister Vautrin emphasized that the primary objective is to foster patient responsibility.