Healthcare measures implemented within the 2026 Budget Law in Italy

On January 1, 2026, the Budget Law 2026 came into effect in Italy. The key healthcare-related funding allocations are listed below.

• National Health Fund financing was set at €2.38 billion for 2026, rising to €2.63 billion in 2027 and remaining stable at €2.63 billion per year from 2028;
• From 2026, €238 million per year is allocated to prevention and early diagnosis, expanding cancer screening programs, strengthening vaccination policies, extending genomic and nutritional screening in oncology, improving neonatal and rare disease diagnostics, and reinforcing prevention for chronic, degenerative, and pollution-related diseases. An additional €247 million is provided in 2026 further to enhance preventive measures, including HIV and obesity prevention;
• Targeted resources strengthen the role of highly specialized hospitals, particularly IRCCS institutions (Scientific Institutes for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare), and support national epidemiological research through the ISS's Sentieri project (National Epidemiological Study of Territories and Settlements Exposed to Pollution Risk);
• The law provides an annual €10 million increase for palliative care starting in 2026, additional resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and enhanced funding for pediatric oncology assistance. It also formally integrates service pharmacies into the NHS and allocates funds for celiac disease regulation and pediatric healthcare mobility;
• Digitalization measures. Among others, include €20 million annual investment from 2026 to expand and strengthen telemedicine services.

The full details in Italian can be found here.

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