Each start of the month brings its share of new products, and December is no exception. As the end of the year approaches, several changes will directly affect the French wallet. Increase in prices for medical consultations, increase in gas prices, maintenance of the Christmas bonus for the poorest households… So many measures which concern both daily expenses and social assistance.
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More expensive medical consultations
The price of consultations with general practitioners increases, from €26.50 to €30 from December 22. Pediatric consultations will cost €35 for children under 6 years old. Specialists are not left out: an appointment with the gynecologist will now cost €37, while a consultation in psychiatry or neurology will cost €55. Despite these increases, Health Insurance and complementary health insurance continue to cover a large part of the costs.
New rise in gas prices
For households using gas, an average increase of 2.5% is planned, with a benchmark rate set at €0.1413/kWh for cooking and hot water, and €0.1124/kWh for heating. This increase, attributed to geopolitical tensions and the winter season, could weigh more on budgets.
Christmas bonus maintained
Good news for low-income households: the Christmas bonus will be paid automatically on December 17. The amounts remain unchanged, with €152.45 for a single person and up to €442.10 for a couple with four children.
Salary increase in the hotel and catering industry
Employees in the sector will benefit from a minimum hourly wage set at €12 gross, a slight excess of the minimum wage, set at €11.88.
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