After years of inaction from the National Health Fund and the Federation of Associations representing psychotherapists, Minister of Social Security Claude Haagen has determined a fixed sum of reimbursement for psychotherapy sessions in Luxembourg.

Claude Haagen submitted a preliminary draft to the government council on Friday. The other members of the government did not oppose the proposal, even if the whole council was not physically present to give its green light.

This regulation determines the amount of reimbursable psychotherapy costs, which will correspond to 144 euros for a session of 50 to 60 minutes.

The psychotherapy association, Fapsylux, and the National Health Fund could not agree on a common reimbursement rate. Fapsylux wanted €175 per session, CNS just €127.

The draft will now undergo the regulatory procedure, and, at the same time, the future acts of psychotherapy will be finalised for inclusion in the nomenclature by means of a Grand Ducal regulation.

Claude Haagen has asked the services of the National Health Fund to finalise the necessary statutory changes so that psychotherapy services can be covered by the health insurance, once the regulations are in force.

The Minister explained that the insured have long needed professional support through psychotherapy. After five years of negotiations, it is time for insured persons to be able to benefit from adequate coverage, Haagen said.