Italy advances social welfare reforms for elderly and caregivers

The Italian government is considering several legislative measures to enhance support for vulnerable populations. One proposal involves the creation of a health card for citizens over 75, providing direct contributions between 300 and 500 euros to cover medical expenses not handled by the national health service, such as dentistry and prosthetics. This mechanism aims to provide immediate relief rather than relying on delayed tax deductions.

Additionally, the Chamber of Deputies has passed a bill regarding family caregivers. The legislation aims to provide economic support, including a potential 400-euro contribution, to those providing continuous care for family members with severe disabilities or non-self-sufficiency. While the bill passed its first reading with 153 votes in favor, it now moves to the Senate, where associations have raised concerns regarding strict eligibility requirements and the impact on caregivers' working lives.

Further legislative developments include a law ensuring state-funded legal assistance for victims of fatal or disabling workplace accidents, and the upcoming implementation of Decree 62/2024, which shifts the approach to disability from a medical model to a multidimensional functional assessment.