French MP, François Gernigon, has told The Local why he proposed a new law that would ensure American retirees are charged a minimum fee to access the French healthcare system.

In an interview with The Local on Thursday, French MP François Gernigon explained why he had proposed a new amendment aimed at American retirees in France's 2026 draft social security financing bill.

Gernigon proposes that "foreign, non-EU-EU/ EEA nationals holding the 'visitor' residency status be required to pay a specific contribution, under conditions set by decree, in order to open and maintain rights to healthcare".

In the explanation of the amendment, Gernigon specifically mentioned American retirees, "who are not engaging in any professional activity."

But the MP told The Local he wasn't specifically targeting retirees from across the Atlant