The criteria for receiving social welfare benefits in Italy will change considerably with the recent creation of the "economic situation indicator" (Indicatore della situazione economica, Ise) (IT9803157N [1]). This means that in order to receive welfare benefits, every citizen will have to submit a self-declaration on his or her financial situation, which will also give the public authorities permission to check the applicant's personal finances. The Government and social partners believe that this system will be very useful in the fight against tax evasion and that it also guarantees greater fairness in the distribution of services.[1] www.eurofound.europa.eu/ef/observatories/eurwork/articles/new-rules-on-access-to-social-benefits
On 3 April 1998, the Italian Government passed a legislative decree which introduces new rules on access to healthcare services.
The criteria for receiving social welfare benefits in Italy will change considerably with the recent creation of the "economic situation indicator" (Indicatore della situazione economica, Ise) (IT9803157N). This means that in order to receive welfare benefits, every citizen will have to submit a self-declaration on his or her financial situation, which will also give the public authorities permission to check the applicant's personal finances. The Government and social partners believe that this system will be very useful in the fight against tax evasion and that it also guarantees greater fairness in the distribution of services.
On 3 April 1998, a legislative decree was adopted by the Government, introducing new rules on access to healthcare services. Citizens will still not have to pay for certain services such as hospitalisation, general practitioner care, screening and maternity services, while so-called "life-saver" drugs which are necessary to treat serious illnesses will also remain free of charge.
However, there will be "co-payment" for all the other services - including diagnostic tests, specialised care and thermal and rehabilitation treatments - with the contribution dependent on a family's earned income. Citizens will be divided into three income-related categories according to the Ise: the first category will be totally exempt from co-payment; the second will be partially exempt; and the third will have to pay fully. However, there will be maximum co-payment limits for the second and third categories for each service provided. People will be placed in one of these categories according to the information they provide on net personal and family earned income, real estate property and personal property. The age of family members and the presence of a disabled person within the household will taken into consideration when placing people in these categories. The social partners had some doubts about the use of the Ise for the healthcare system.
A great deal of importance is being attached to the results of an experimental application of the new procedures in some Italian regions by 31 October 1998. The decree will be definitively approved by 30 April 1998 and will come into force at national level by 30 June 1999.
Eurofound recommends citing this publication in the following way.
Eurofound (1998), New rules on access to the healthcare system, article.
