Sécurité Sociale, la

   (see also Caisse Primaire)

   the French national health insurance scheme. This expression does not usually translate into English as "social security", but is the French equivalent of Britain's NHS. All people in work pay must pay contributions into the Sécurité Sociale; as a result, they and their dependents receive largely subsidised or free health treatment. In recent years, the cost of running the health service has mushroomed, and the "trou" or hole in the Health Service budget has grown ; this has led to the introduction of token charges, a reduction in the reimbursement of certain medicines, and other cost-cutting measures. While the French health care system remains among the best in the world, and primary health care in France is generally excellent, waiting lists have begun to appear for certain types of specialist treatment, and some hospital services have been closed for economic reasons.