Pharmaceutical Expenditure: Emilia-Romagna Tickets from 2 May
- BOLOGNA, Italy (May 2, 2025) — The Emilia-Romagna Regional Council's Resolution 390/2025, approved March 24, introduces a cost-sharing measure for pharmaceutical expenses, effective today.
- The regional government aims to ensure the economic sustainability of its healthcare services by implementing this measure.Officials cite the rising costs associated with innovative drugs and the aging...
- Certain populations are exempt from the new contribution, including individuals facing social, economic, or health vulnerabilities.Specifically,exemptions apply to those with chronic,disabling,or rare diseases,provided the prescribed drugs relate to...
Emilia-Romagna Implements New Healthcare Contribution Starting Today
Table of Contents
- Emilia-Romagna Implements New Healthcare Contribution Starting Today
- Emilia-Romagna Healthcare Contribution: Your Questions Answered
- What is the new healthcare contribution in Emilia-Romagna?
- Why has this new contribution been introduced?
- Who is exempt from the healthcare contribution?
- What are the exemption codes that pharmacies need to recognize?
- How do pharmacies apply these exemptions?
- Are there any changes to family healthcare concessions?
- What is the role of pharmacies in this new policy?
- How will this change affect the regional budget?
- Can you summarize the key exemption categories?
- Where can I find more information about this new healthcare contribution?
BOLOGNA, Italy (May 2, 2025) — The Emilia-Romagna Regional Council’s Resolution 390/2025, approved March 24, introduces a cost-sharing measure for pharmaceutical expenses, effective today. the policy mandates a patient contribution of 2.20 euros per drug package, up to a maximum of 4 euros per prescription.
The regional government aims to ensure the economic sustainability of its healthcare services by implementing this measure.Officials cite the rising costs associated with innovative drugs and the aging population as key factors driving the decision.
Exemptions to the Healthcare Contribution
Certain populations are exempt from the new contribution, including individuals facing social, economic, or health vulnerabilities.Specifically,exemptions apply to those with chronic,disabling,or rare diseases,provided the prescribed drugs relate to their diagnosed condition,according to the resolution.
Other exempt categories include:
- Civilian disabled individuals
- War or work-related injury victims
- Victims of terrorism
- Unemployed individuals (E02 code)
- Retirees over 60
- Prisoners
Minors under 6 and adults over 65 with E01 exemption, and also recipients of social allowances, receive complete exemption.
Changes to Family Healthcare Concessions
The resolution modifies a 2018 law regarding ticket exemptions for initial specialist visits, now limiting the exemption to children 14 and under. This revision, driven by the need to free up funds, is projected to decrease revenue by 1.55 million euros in 2025 and 2.326 million euros annually. The shortfall will be covered by regional budget chapter U51640, designated for assistance levels exceeding essential care standards.
Pharmacies’ Role and Software Updates
Pharmacies are now responsible for verifying exemption codes on prescriptions, paying close attention to notes linking drugs to specific conditions. As of today, pharmacies must update their management software to reflect these changes.
The regional government has provided pharmacies with a list of exemption codes not subject to the new contribution, including E01 (over 65 and under 6), E02 (unemployed), E03 (social allowance), and E04 (minimum pension recipients). Pharmacists must ensure their systems automatically recognize these codes and apply exemptions only to drugs related to the patient’s condition, as indicated on the prescription.
Emilia-Romagna Healthcare Contribution: Your Questions Answered
What is the new healthcare contribution in Emilia-Romagna?
As of May 2, 2025, the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy has implemented a cost-sharing measure for pharmaceutical expenses. This means that patients will contribute 2.20 euros per drug package, with a maximum of 4 euros per prescription.
Why has this new contribution been introduced?
The regional government cites rising costs associated with innovative drugs and an aging population as key drivers for the new healthcare contribution.
Who is exempt from the healthcare contribution?
Several groups are exempt, including:
- individuals with chronic, disabling, or rare diseases, provided the prescribed drugs relate to their diagnosed condition.
- Civilian disabled individuals.
- Victims of war or work-related injuries.
- Victims of terrorism.
- Unemployed individuals (E02 code).
- Retirees over 60.
- Prisoners.
- Minors under 6 and adults over 65 with E01 exemption.
- recipients of social allowances (E03 code).
What are the exemption codes that pharmacies need to recognize?
Pharmacies must recognize and apply exemptions for several codes, including:
- E01: Over 65 and under 6 (complete exemption)
- E02: Unemployed
- E03: Social allowance recipients (complete exemption)
- E04: Minimum pension recipients
How do pharmacies apply these exemptions?
Pharmacies are required to update their software to automatically recognize the exemption codes. They must then ensure that exemptions are applied only to medications related to the patient’s specific condition, as specified on the prescription.
Are there any changes to family healthcare concessions?
Yes, the resolution modifies a 2018 law regarding ticket exemptions for initial specialist visits. This revision, driven by the need to free up funds, now limits the exemption to children aged 14 and under. The projected decrease in revenue is 1.55 million euros in 2025 and 2.326 million euros annually, which will be covered by the regional budget.
What is the role of pharmacies in this new policy?
Pharmacies play a key role in this policy. They are responsible for:
- Verifying exemption codes on prescriptions.
- paying close attention to notes linking drugs to specific conditions.
- Updating their management software to reflect the changes.
- Ensuring that exemptions are correctly applied.
How will this change affect the regional budget?
The changes to family healthcare concessions are projected to decrease revenue. The shortfall will be covered by a designated regional budget chapter.
Can you summarize the key exemption categories?
Here’s a quick summary of the exemption codes and their associated groups:
| Exemption Code | Beneficiary Group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | Over 65 and under 6 | Complete exemption |
| E02 | Unemployed | |
| E03 | Social Allowance Recipients | Complete exemption |
| E04 | Minimum Pension Recipients | |
| Various | Individuals with chronic, disabling, or rare diseases | Exemption applies to drugs related to their condition. |
| Various | Civilian Disabled individuals, War/Work-related Injury Victims, Victims of Terrorism, retirees over 60, and Prisoners |
Where can I find more information about this new healthcare contribution?
You can consult the Emilia-Romagna Regional Council’s Resolution 390/2025 for more detailed information.