October 1 brings new gas rates, fuel aid deadline and health cost changes in France

Starting on October 1, the reference selling price for gas will be higher, adding roughly €5 to monthly consumer bills, although customers with fixed-price contracts will not feel the change. The eligibility period for the €100 fuel assistance, aimed at commuters meeting income and distance criteria, ends on September 30, with applications to be submitted via the tax authority’s portal. Employers may now provide a voluntary fuel bonus of up to €1,000 per employee for payments made before the end of 2026, especially for workers lacking adequate public transport options.

Annual caps on medical deductibles and flat-rate contributions increase from €50 to €70 each, raising the combined yearly ceiling to €140, while per-service charges stay the same. Patients with long-term illnesses will lose full coverage for some drugs currently reimbursed at 15%, and reusable menstrual products can be reimbursed for people under 26 and for those covered by the Complementary Health Solidarity, subject to quantity limits. Housing assistance such as APL, ALF and ALS may be adjusted upward by about 1.15%, pending official confirmation.