Eyeglasses, dental prostheses, hearing aids—these essential medical devices can be costly, making out-of-pocket expenses a major barrier. To improve access to quality care, the French government launched the 100% Santé reform. As experts in healthcare policy, we'll break down why it matters and how it impacts your budget.
1. What is the 100% Santé reform?
Announced in June 2018, the 100% Santé (or "zero out-of-pocket") initiative provides fully reimbursed baskets of dental, optical, and hearing equipment that meet strict quality standards. Professionals like opticians and dentists must adhere to capped selling prices (prix de vente, or POS)—a shift from today's free pricing. Social Security boosts reimbursements accordingly, eliminating costs for patients who previously skipped care due to finances.
Average out-of-pocket costs in 2018:
Hearing aid = €850/ear; Optical equipment (single lenses) = €65; Ceramic crown = €195. (Source: Ministry of Solidarity and Health)
2. Who qualifies for the reform?
Any insured person with a "responsible" supplementary health policy—whether individual or employer-provided—can access 100% Santé baskets for optical, dental, and audiology items, without raising average mutual insurance premiums.
What is a responsible complementary health contract?
These contracts follow government specifications, ensuring minimum guarantees, reimbursement limits, and caps on excess coverage. This framework reduces taxation while balancing protection.
3. How does it affect my health budget?
In optics:
• Opticians must offer at least 17 adult frames and 10 children's frames in 2 colors, capped at €30.
• Covers all corrections with essential treatments (thinned lenses, anti-scratch, anti-reflective, anti-UV).
• Mix-and-match: 100% Santé lenses with a non-basket frame.
In dental:
• 46% of prosthetic procedures fully reimbursed.
• Includes fixed/mobile, metal/ceramic prostheses based on tooth location.
In audiology:
• Full coverage for premium devices (aesthetics, performance).
• Social Security reimbursement base doubled (up to €1,400 for children under 20).
4. When does the 100% Santé reform take effect?
Rolled out gradually: Optics and select dental prosthetics from January 1, 2020; hearing aids from January 1, 2021.
5. How do I benefit from 100% Santé?
Health professionals must present a zero out-of-pocket option and quote. Dentists provide detailed estimates for treatments; for free-fee options, they offer zero/controlled-cost alternatives where possible.
6. Is supplementary insurance still worthwhile?
Absolutely. 100% Santé covers only optics, dental, and audiology—hospitalization, alternative medicine, and more remain out-of-scope. Excess fees and non-reimbursed items persist, even in these areas, making comprehensive coverage essential.
Glasses, hearing aids, or dental work need no longer strain your wallet. As trusted healthcare advisors, we see 100% Santé as a game-changer for affordable, quality care in France.
