PARIS – In a major step toward improving accessibility for people with disabilities, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that wheelchairs will be fully reimbursed by public health insurance starting December 1, 2025.
The announcement, made via a TikTok video on Thursday, February 6, underscores the government’s commitment to easing financial burdens for those in need of mobility assistance.
Macron emphasized that the reimbursement would be “100%, as promised,” with a detailed list of eligible wheelchairs published on Friday.
For specialized equipment, full reimbursement will also be granted upon prior medical approval, a process expected to take up to two months.
A Long-Awaited Reform
The initiative stems from a pledge made by Macron at the National Disability Conference on April 26, 2023, where he vowed to implement full wheelchair reimbursement “as early as 2024.”
This promise was later reaffirmed by then-Prime Minister Gabriel Attal in his policy address on January 30, 2024. The current Prime Minister, François Bayrou, further cemented the commitment by confirming its implementation “as early as 2025.”
The move is expected to provide crucial support to individuals reliant on wheelchairs, a population estimated to be between 1.08 and 1.13 million in France, according to a 2019 study by the Institute for Research and Documentation in Health Economics (Irdes).
While the majority are elderly, the figure includes 253,000 people under 65, among them 22,500 children with disabilities or neurodegenerative conditions.
Addressing Financial Barriers
Wheelchairs, especially customized models designed for specific medical conditions, can be costly, placing a significant financial strain on families and individuals.
Current reimbursement rates vary, often covering only part of the expenses, leaving patients to shoulder the remaining costs.
By fully covering wheelchair costs, the French government aims to ensure equitable access to essential mobility aids, preventing financial hardship for those who depend on them.
The decision aligns with broader efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and social inclusion for people with disabilities.
Implementation and Expectations
As the December 1 deadline approaches, authorities are expected to release detailed guidelines on the reimbursement process.
Healthcare professionals and advocacy groups are welcoming the decision but stress the importance of a smooth administrative process to avoid delays in access to necessary equipment.
Pierre Puybasset, spokesperson for the French Association for People with Disabilities, hailed the announcement as a “historic milestone,” emphasizing that it would “greatly alleviate financial stress on thousands of families.”
The reform is also expected to impact the medical supply industry, potentially leading to increased demand for wheelchairs and adjustments in the pricing models of manufacturers and distributors.
A Model for Other Countries?
France’s initiative could serve as a model for other nations seeking to enhance disability rights and access to medical equipment. Many European countries offer partial reimbursement for mobility aids, but few have adopted a policy of full coverage.
With the new measure set to take effect in less than a year, advocacy groups and healthcare professionals will be closely monitoring its rollout to ensure that those who need mobility support can access it without bureaucratic obstacles.
The full reimbursement policy marks a significant step forward in fostering an inclusive society, fulfilling a long-standing commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities in France.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
