France’s government has announced the end of reimbursement for Covid-19 rapid tests in pharmacies, effective after the current winter epidemic season. While pharmacies can still perform tests, they will no longer receive health insurance subsidies for them. The Union of Pharmacy Unions criticized this decision, arguing that antigen tests are vital for public health and epidemic management. The Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions calls for continued coverage for tests that detect multiple respiratory viruses, especially for vulnerable populations.
End of Reimbursement for Rapid Covid Tests in France
After nearly two years since the World Health Organization lifted the global state of emergency, the French government has announced a significant change regarding Covid-19 rapid tests. On Friday, it was revealed that pharmacies will no longer receive reimbursement for these tests, raising concerns among pharmacists about the impact on public health. The General Directorate of Health (DGS) indicated that this decision will take effect once the winter epidemic season concludes.
Impact on Pharmacists and Public Health
While pharmacies will still conduct rapid diagnostic orientation tests (Trod) and provide self-tests upon request, these services will no longer be subsidized by health insurance. Currently, Covid-19 antigen tests are the only tests eligible for reimbursement, priced at 16.50 euros, alongside tests that detect flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). For those at high risk of severe illness, such as older adults or individuals with chronic conditions, the DGS recommends confirming Covid-19 infections with a RT-PCR test, which requires a medical prescription for reimbursement.
In contrast, rapid tests for bacterial or viral sore throat detection will continue to be reimbursed, as they enable pharmacists to prescribe antibiotics and help combat antibiotic resistance. The DGS clarified that these changes will only be implemented after the current epidemic period, marked by a surge in flu cases, concludes.
The Union of Pharmacy Unions (Uspo) has criticized the removal of reimbursement, labeling it “nonsense for public health,” emphasizing that antigen tests are crucial in managing epidemics and increasing vaccination awareness. According to Uspo, Covid antigen tests generated substantial revenue for pharmacists in 2024. Guillaume Racle, Uspo’s economic advisor, expressed dismay over the contradiction between the government’s statements about health expenses and the decision to de-reimburse these essential tests.
As the landscape of Covid testing continues to shift, the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France is advocating for targeted reimbursement strategies, particularly during winter respiratory epidemics. Philippe Besset, the federation’s president, highlighted the necessity of maintaining coverage for tests that simultaneously detect flu, Covid, and RSV, particularly for vulnerable populations, including those over 65 and individuals with chronic illnesses.