Should Luxembourg's National Health Fund increase glasses reimbursement?

The debate centred around petition number 2967, which called for full reimbursement for glasses by the CNS and had garnered 5,474 signatures. The petitioner, Jade Emini, presented her case alone, without an expert.

While acknowledging that a 100% reimbursement of frames might not be feasible, Emini advocated for at least a "slight increase" in the current reimbursement of €30 for lenses. She argued that those needing glasses should not bear the financial burden of their poor vision, emphasising that €30 per lens is insufficient, particularly for minimum wage earners or families with many children.

Minister Deprez noted that individuals who pay at least 2.5% of their gross salary on glasses can already request additional reimbursement. This week, the CNS launched a campaign to raise awareness of this provision.

The debate also touched on the need for reimbursement for prescription sunglasses, safety glasses, and sports glasses, especially for children. Criticism was raised about the rule allowing new glasses only every three years, though the Minister clarified that this rule does not apply to children under the age of 14.

MP Marc Spautz of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) quickly pointed out that a crucial player was absent from the discussion – the CNS. Spautz highlighted that the nomenclature is determined by the CNS General Assembly. In response, Minister Deprez clarified that this was not entirely accurate, noting that she does send a government representative to the CNS administrative board.

After the debate, MP Francine Closener of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP), President of the Parliamentary Petitions Committee, asked Deprez if she could envision government support for an increase in reimbursement for glasses. Deprez said, "I am just the messenger," explaining that her representative is only one of 17 on the board. While they can "convey the message," Deprez stated she could not predict whether the social partners would act on it.

Currently, 80% of people in Luxembourg need glasses. Each year, the CNS receives bills totalling €57 million for eyewear, reimbursing €16 million. This leaves individuals with glasses to cover the remaining €41 million themselves, including €11 million for frames and €30 million for lenses.