Because they’re long-lasting, learning disorders require rehabilitation, ideally multidisciplinary, to develop compensation strategies that ease their symptoms. While Sécurité Sociale (the French national health insurance) can partially cover treatment and rehabilitation costs, mutuelles (complementary health insurers) can offer additional support. The CAF (French family benefits office) can also contribute, notably through the Disabled Child Education Allowance (AEEH). Here’s how it works.
Coverage through Sécurité Sociale and mutuelles
Cases of full coverage
Did you know? Sécurité Sociale can fully reimburse the cost of an assessment and treatment if these are carried out at an Early Medico-Social Action Centre (CAMSP), a Medico-Psychological Centre (CMP), or a Medico-Psycho-Pedagogical Centre (CMPP).
For neurodevelopmental disorders, a child with DYS can also benefit from the “Mon soutien psy” scheme, which covers 12 sessions per year through French health insurance.
Standard reimbursements
In general, keep in mind that only speech-language therapy and orthoptics sessions are usually covered at a rate of 60%, provided they’ve been prescribed by the child’s GP.
Other types of care, provided by occupational therapists, hypnotherapists, or other health professionals, are not reimbursed. However, some mutuelles can offer financial support for “complementary medicine” consultations. The reimbursement amount then depends on each individual policy.
MDPH support for children with DYS
The AEEH via the CAF
When a child is officially recognised as having a disability by the MDPH (the French departmental disability centre), it’s possible to get financial support from the CAF through the AEEH: paid monthly, this flat-rate allowance is designed to offset expenses related to caring for children with DYS.
To qualify, the disability rate must be above 50%. Up to 79% incapacity (which commonly applies to people with dyslexia or multiple DYS disorders), the AEEH is granted for between 2 and 5 years.
Once the file is put together, the MDPH reviews the request and forwards it to the Commission for the Rights and Independence of People with Disabilities (CDAPH), which will approve or reject it. Note that the base amount of the AEEH is set at €149.26 (April 2024) per month per child. This can be topped up with one of 6 disability-level supplements, ranging from €111.95 to €1,210.90, not to mention the increase for a single parent (from the 2nd category onwards, ranging from €60.64 to €499.09).
Logistical support from the MDPH
Beyond financial support, the MDPH can offer logistical help to children with DYS, whether through the assignment of a school life auxiliary (AVS) or the provision of computer equipment, as set out in the child’s Personalised Schooling Plan (PPS).
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the professionals on the Ora-Visio platform, who specialise in DYS disorders: even where costs aren’t covered by CPAM (French health insurance), some mutuelles can help lighten the financial load. Either way, you’ll benefit from the same quality of care as an in-person appointment, while avoiding adding even more to your already busy days…
