Since October 1, 2026, several measures have concretely changed the coverage of care and medications in France. Reimbursement for menstrual products, expanded access to the “My psychological support” program, new rules for patients with long-term illnesses: let’s take stock of the health news that is making a difference this week.
Medications in Long-Term Illness Reimbursed at 15%: What Changes for Chronic Patients
A patient with a long-term illness (ALD) who picks up their usual treatments at the pharmacy may have an unpleasant surprise since early October. Medications with low medical service rendered are no longer covered at 100% under the ALD. They are now subject to a limited reimbursement of 15%, in accordance with a decree published in the Official Journal on April 17, 2026.
In practice, this means a higher out-of-pocket expense for certain comfort or supplementary treatments prescribed for a chronic illness. For those with complementary health insurance, the mutual may cover the difference, but feedback on this varies depending on the contracts.
You can check the latest news on Santé Info to follow the evolution of these reimbursement measures over the weeks.
The message sent by this reform is clear: Social Security is refocusing its spending on medications whose therapeutic efficacy is deemed sufficient. For the affected patients, checking the list of their treatments with their doctor becomes a useful step, if only to identify better-reimbursed alternatives.
Reusable Menstrual Products: A Reimbursement That Comes into Effect
The reimbursement of certain reusable menstrual products has evolved in France since October 2026. This measure concerns products like menstrual cups or washable panties, which have long been the sole responsibility of users.
On the ground, the implementation remains gradual. Not all references are yet eligible, and the specific conditions for coverage depend on the system chosen by Health Insurance. What we know: the reimbursement targets certified and reusable products, not traditional disposable items.
Why This Measure Matters in Public Health
Reusable products reduce exposure to certain chemical substances present in disposable products. Several environmental health experts have pointed out for years the risks associated with pesticide residues and synthetic fragrances.
For those affected, the process is simple:
- Check that the chosen product is on the list of eligible products for reimbursement
- Keep the purchase receipt for submission to Health Insurance
- Consult your pharmacist to know the brands available in your pharmacy
“My Psychological Support” Program: Expanded Access in October 2026
The “My psychological support” program has become more financially accessible since October 1, 2026. The extension that came into effect broadens access to fully covered preventive appointments at several key ages in life. This change affects both young adults and older individuals facing anxiety or depressive disorders.
In clinical psychology, the financial barrier remains the primary obstacle to consultation. Many patients postpone a first appointment because the out-of-pocket expense exceeds their monthly budget. With this expanded coverage, we move from a system reserved for certain age groups to a broader access.
Finding a Contracted Psychologist Near You
The concrete difficulty is the availability of practitioners. The number of contracted psychologists under the “My psychological support” program remains uneven across regions. In rural areas, waiting times can significantly increase.
- Use the online directory of the program to find participating psychologists in your municipality
- Request a referral letter from your primary care physician, a necessary condition to benefit from the coverage
- Prefer teleconsultation slots if no practitioner is available nearby
European Pharmacovigilance Signals: Semaglutide and Liraglutide Under Observation
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) examined five new safety signals during its October 2026 PRAC committee meeting. Among the substances concerned are semaglutide and liraglutide, two widely prescribed substances in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, more recently, in the management of obesity.
No formal re-evaluation procedure has been launched at this stage. The PRAC committee reviewed the available data without deeming it necessary to open a “referral,” the procedure that precedes a potential withdrawal or restriction of marketing authorization.
What This Means for Patients Under Treatment
A pharmacovigilance signal is not a health alert. It is a statistical observation that justifies enhanced monitoring. No prescription changes are recommended at this time for patients using these treatments.
For healthcare professionals, the monitoring trend mainly concerns the off-label use of these substances for weight loss. The rapid growth in prescriptions in this context mechanically increases the number of reported adverse effects, without necessarily indicating an increased risk compared to known data.
These four topics illustrate a week rich in health news, between reimbursement reforms and vigilance on the most prescribed treatments. The common thread: concrete changes that directly affect the daily lives of patients and caregivers, and that deserve attention before moving on to the next week.
