Solidary and responsible insurance contracts

11.9.2008

WRITTEN QUESTION P-4996/08
by Jean Louis Cottigny (PSE)
to the Commission

In 2006 France notified the Commission of a fiscal aid provision accompanying the implementation of ‘solidary and responsible’ contracts aimed at promoting the introduction by all insurance companies on the French market of forms of complementary health cover which would be accessible to all citizens, especially those whose age or low income might exclude them. This fiscal provision was initially due to come into force on 1 January 2008.

In November 2007, the Commission opened a formal inquiry (procedure C 50/07[1]) concerning this provision. Contributions to this inquiry were made by the French authorities, the market players concerned and consumers' associations, the aim being to provide the Commission's services with all necessary detailed information.

This provision for solidary and responsible contracts responds to the market's needs insofar as it promotes improved access to care by encouraging operators not to concentrate only on the most ‘profitable’ clients. Its suspension pending a Commission decision after 2008 is likely to have damaging effects on both market operators and consumers. To avoid this, can the Commission undertake to make a decision by the end of this year?

• [1] OJ C 38, 12.2.2008, p. 10.

OJ C 40, 18/02/2009