Full reimbursement of wheelchairs by Social Security: A long-awaited measure

On February 6, 2025, Emmanuel Macron announced that the full reimbursement of wheelchairs by Social Security, promised two years ago, will come into effect on December 1, 2025. This measure, which will benefit approximately one million people in France, including seniors and people with disabilities, aims to alleviate the high costs of wheelchairs, which can reach up to 50,000 euros for an electric model.

Currently, Health Insurance covers part of the cost, with reimbursements ranging from 600 to 5,200 euros, while departments can provide additional assistance through the disability compensation allowance (PCH).

Details of implementation and reimbursement procedures

The day after the announcement, a list of the wheelchairs that will be covered will be published, with the president noting that it will be very extensive. For “specialized” wheelchairs, particularly those used for para-sports, full reimbursement will also be possible after prior agreement with Social Security, with a response guaranteed within a maximum of two months.

Although this project was promised in April 2023, it required several months of negotiations between Social Security, manufacturers, and distributors to establish price controls. Political events, such as the dissolution of the National Assembly in June 2024 and the censure of the government of Michel Barnier in December, delayed its implementation. Emmanuel Macron nonetheless praised this progress, emphasizing that it represents a real “change in life” for many French citizens.