Residents and businesses in Gréoux-les-Bains are signing a petition against proposed changes to the reimbursement of thermal spa treatments. The concern followed an announcement on October 8 by Health Minister Stéphanie Rist that some costs currently borne by Social Security would be transferred to supplementary health insurers, which are not obliged to cover them.
The town in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, with about 3,500 residents, receives around 26,000 visitors a year for three-week spa treatments. Some visitors told the source they rely on Social Security coverage to afford the treatment. Petitions are available at local businesses, including a pharmacy and a clothing store.
Mayor Paul Audan warned that lower reimbursements could also hurt the local economy. He said 200 businesses and professionals in Gréoux-les-Bains are linked to thermal tourism. He also pointed to figures for the wider sector: 89 spa towns, most with fewer than 5,000 residents, and about 100 thermal establishments, which he said account for €4.5 billion in turnover and nearly 30,000 jobs.
Opposition to the proposal has spread beyond Gréoux-les-Bains. The mayor of Amélie-les-Bains, Marie Costa, has launched a petition, while French regions and the Association of Mayors of France have adopted motions of protest. Audan said he had alerted local senators and members of parliament to the potential consequences for his town.
Sources: Le Monde Politique.