Is arthritis treatment 100% reimbursed in France?
I am retired and planning to take up residency in France. I have been taking an expensive medication (adalimumab) for psoriatic arthritis from the NHS and am concerned about the cost in France. I am not clear whether it is on the ALD (100% no payment) list. C.M.
Yes, this condition, a form of inflammatory arthritis affecting people with the skin condition psoriasis, is included among the affections de longue durée (ALD), meaning medicines for it are covered 100%. In this case ‘100%’ means literally 100% of the price, apart from where an equivalent generic exists and a patient refuses it in favour of a branded medicine. With the same proviso, there is no need to advance the money and claim it back.
We can also confirm that adalimumab is one of the recognised treatments for the condition in France.
Psoriatic arthritis is grouped under the heading of ‘serious spondyloarthritis’ (see the website of the Haute Authorité de Santé here: tinyurl.com/y7wu5zf8).
We suggest you register with a generalist as your médecin traitant as soon as possible after your move (you organise this directly with the doctor of your choice). They will then be able to tell you what is required for France to recognise and treat your illness (possibly including a referral to a specialist rhumatologue).
For a list of the various ALD illnesses, see this site and click on Consulter tous les guides ALD: tinyurl.com/ALD-list
