Contrary to what the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, had suggested, Geneviève Darrieussecq assured this Friday, October 4 that there was “no question of touching” this aid system for undocumented immigrants, which has crystallized the debates for several days.
The question seems settled, and this may not please Bruno Retailleau. Asked on franceinfo about this system allowing undocumented immigrants to access care, Geneviève Darrieussecq replied: “No question of touching state medical aid. […] It is also insurance for the health of the French to avoid certain contagions”justified the Minister of Health. Geneviève Darrieussecq added: “We should not have a taboo with this subject, but we should not create fantasies.”
Enough to contradict the Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau. The former senator Les Républicains had suggested last week that he wanted to reduce its scope, and not “not refrain from taking, in particular through regulations, a certain number of measures” on the subject often brandished as a red line by the presidential camp. Words which also contradict those of Michel Barnier. Wednesday on France 2, the very right-wing Prime Minister estimated that it was possible to “better manage” the AME and that it was necessary “see things calmly so that those who are entitled to it can receive it”.
466,000 beneficiaries
“The health of exiled people is once again used to fuel migration policy considerations”deplored SOS Racisme in a joint press release bringing together several associations, collectives of exiled people, reception structures and unions. These organizations call “to put an end to this xenophobic and dangerous migratory obsession” and judge “intolerable to want to deprive children of access to care”noting that “around a quarter of AME beneficiaries are minors”. All of these organizations defend “a migration policy of welcome and solidarity” and will oppose “any further deterioration of the rights of exiled people”.
Chronicle “Take care”
In 2024, the AME envelope planned by the State stands at 1.2 billion euros, or approximately 0.5% of the health expenditure planned by the Social Security budget (PLFSS). At the end of 2023, there were 466,000 beneficiaries. This assistance concerns medical and dental care, reimbursed medications, analysis and hospitalization costs, as well as those relating to certain vaccinations and certain screenings, contraception and abortion.
