Marche region healthcare and social welfare management

The Marche region in Italy is navigating significant financial and structural challenges within its healthcare and social services sectors. Initially, the region faced intense pressure to address budget deficits, with Regional President Acquaroli directing local health authorities to reduce spending. Specifically, the AST of Macerata was tasked with reducing a 40 million euro deficit, amid broader regional goals to save 200 million euros. This period was also marked by rising legal costs due to labor disputes, totaling nearly 500,000 euros for the Macerata agency.

In response to evolving needs, the region launched a €9.6 million extraordinary investment plan to support families managing the costs of residential care for the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with mental health issues. This initiative aims to prevent financial hardship for middle-to-low-income households and reduce the likelihood of family members leaving the workforce to provide full-time care.

Concurrently, regional data indicates a shift toward community-based services, with residential care facility bed capacity increasing by 16% since 2019 and home care for citizens over 65 rising from 5.3% to 10.8%.