ATS health ticket exemption audits in Italy

The Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) announced that assessment notices would be issued in the Lecco and Brianza provinces regarding the improper use of health ticket exemptions during 2021. These notices target specific exemption codes related to income, unemployment, and social pensions. Authorities specified that notifications would be delivered exclusively via registered mail and warned citizens to disregard unofficial digital payment requests.

Under Regional Law number 20 of December 30, 2025, individuals receiving a notice in 2026 have until April 30, 2027, to regularize their position. By meeting this deadline, citizens must pay the owed ticket, legal interest, and procedural costs, but they will be exempt from administrative pecuniary sanctions. Those wishing to contest the assessment may submit defensive memorandums within 30 days.

As the process continues, ATS Brianza is issuing fines for errors such as the incorrect use of exemptions for dependents, claiming unemployment while employed, or exceeding income limits. The CISL pensioners' union has begun offering assistance through social desks to help citizens understand assessments and provide information to avoid further sanctions or to facilitate the cancellation of fines through defensive memos.