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I'm going to own up to this.
The reform I was speaking about was in 1998, not '88. That means it was passed with Chirac in power, not Miterrand.
Here's the article
And this is the reform I was talking about:
Because the model of finance in the French health care system is based on a social insurance model, contributions to the scheme are based on income. Prior to reform of the system in 1998, contributions were 12.8% of gross earnings levied on the employer and 6.8% levied directly on the employee. The 1998 reforms extended the system so that the more wealthy with capital income (and not just those with income from employment) also had to contribute, since when the 6.8% figure has dropped to 0.75% of earned income. In its place a wider levy based on total income has been introduced, gambling taxes are now redirected towards health care and recipients of social benefits also must contribute.[6] Because the insurance is compulsory, the system can effectively be thought to be financed by taxation rather than traditional insurance (as typified by auto or home insurance, where risk levels determine premiums).
I made a mistake when I attributed this to Miterrand, and I stand corrected.
It's interesting to note, however, that Chirac was more of a right winger, yet he passed this reform which basically punishes the wealthy.
I'm doing this to 'raise the bar'... I wish sometimes everyone would stick to some higher standards.
