Health · Healthcare & Policy · 7 hrs ago
Italy's budget plan adds health funding and a €300 card for some older people
Italy's budget plan sets out new measures for the national health service.
It would increase the health fund by €2.4 billion in 2027, bringing next year's total to €146.3 billion.
An additional €300 million would fund extra appointments and tests to help reduce waiting lists.
The plan also includes a €300 health card for eligible pensioners aged 75 and over with income of no more than €28,000 in 2025.
Other measures would fund emergency department staff, hospital care and support for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
The measures are planned for 2027 and beyond, with some changes, including a higher medicine spending limit, starting in 2028.
Italy’s budget plan provides an additional €2.4 billion for the national health service in 2027.
It also sets aside €300 million in 2027 for extra public health services to help reduce waiting lists.
A €300 health card is planned for eligible pensioners aged 75 or older with income of no more than €28,000.
The card could reach about 5.46 million older people, with a dedicated fund of €1.6 billion.
The plan includes further funding for emergency department allowances, hospital care, Alzheimer’s and dementia support, and other health measures.
- Who
- Italy’s national health service and health sector; eligible pensioners aged 75 or older may receive the health card.
- What
- The budget plan adds health funding and introduces a €300 health card for some older people.
- When
- The card and many funding measures are planned for 2027. Some measures extend to later years.
- Where
- Italy.
- Why
- The plan aims to support health services and medical expenses, including reducing waiting lists.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The health service is due to receive €2.4 billion in additional funding, and the €300 health card is planned to be available.
The health service is due to receive an additional €2.3 billion per year.
The state is due to provide €350 million per year toward the medical-device payback issue.
- Health service funding
- €2.4 billion additional funding in 2027
- Waiting lists
- €300 million for extra services in 2027
- Health card
- €300 for eligible pensioners
- Eligibility
- Aged 75 by the end of 2026; 2025 income no more than €28,000
- Potential recipients
- About 5.46 million older people
- Dedicated card fund
- €1.6 billion