France

Abstract

Over the past ten years, the social security system in France has been the subject of rapid change and all sectors have been influenced. In 1988, the law of Minimum Income for Adults was established. Also, a reform of the old Age Insurance came into effect in August 1994 and in November 1995, the Government took an ambitious step towards reorganising the health care system and its insurance. By the end of 1996, the social partners had come to an agreement regarding unemployment insurance. In January 1997, an allowance for elderly dependent individuals was created. In February 1997, Parliament adopted a law on pension plan introducing capitalisation in the retirement scheme. As a consequence of employment problems encountered at the end of 1997 and the beginning of 1998, levels of minimum assistance benefits have been exhausted. In 1999–2000, a universal coverage of health expenses should be implemented.