The new tariff nomenclature has been approved which introduces important innovations for LEAs: free treatment for rare diseases, medically assisted procreation, celiac disease, endometriosis and innovative services such as hadrontherapy. An investment of 550 million euros to guarantee cutting-edge care for all citizens
From next December 30th, Italian healthcare will experience a small, big revolution that has been awaited for almost eight years. A wide range of new treatments and health services will become part of the essential levels of assistance (Lea), becoming free or accessible upon payment of a ticket.
A long-awaited goal, the result of a complex process that began in 2017 with the Prime Ministerial Decree introducing the new LEAs, and long postponed due to financing problems. Only in April 2023, the Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci announced the unblocking of the Nomenclator, which after a further phase of discussion between the Ministry of Economy, Regions and Ministry of Health, it was finally approved at the State-Regions Conference.
This important update introduces numerous free or co-pay services, revolutionizing LEAs and guaranteeing all citizens access to innovative and cutting-edge treatments. Among the most significant innovations, the entry of medically assisted procreation (PMA) into the Lea. Finally, all infertile couples will be able to access treatment programs throughout the national territory, overcoming the territorial disparities that have so far characterized the offer of ART. A fundamental step forward to guarantee equal access to care, and a sign of attention towards the desire for parenthood of many couples.
But it is not only the PMA that is entering the LEAs. Even endometriosis, one chronic and often disabling pathology that affects many womenis finally recognized as a disease, with the possibility of accessing specific treatments and care. A long overdue recognitionwhich will finally give voice and support to those who suffer from this pathology, often underestimated and neglected.
The new Nomenclator also expands the list of recognized rare diseases, inserting over one hundred new pathologies. This means that patients suffering from these diseases, often forced to face complex and difficult to obtain diagnostic and therapeutic pathways, they will finally have access to specific care and treatments. An important achievement for those suffering from rare diseases, and a sign of attention towards the needs of an often forgotten part of the population.
Among other new features, free diagnosis and monitoring of celiac diseasea chronic disease that affects an increasing number of people. An important intervention for the prevention and treatment of this disease, which can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. And again, the introduction of new neonatal screening for diseases such as SMA (spinal muscular atrophy)allowing early diagnosis and timely access to innovative therapies. A fundamental tool for the prevention and treatment of diseases that can have a devastating impact on the lives of children.
The new Nomenclator also introduces important innovations in the oncology field. THE’hadrontherapyan innovative form of radiotherapy used for treatment of tumors resistant to traditional therapiesenters the Lea, offering new hope to cancer patients. This cutting-edge technology allows you to target the tumor precisely, reducing side effects on healthy cells. And again, the stereotactic radiotherapyanother precision radiotherapy technique, which allows the tumor to be targeted with high doses of radiation, while preserving the surrounding healthy tissues. An important therapeutic option for cancer patients, which allows to increase the effectiveness of treatments and reduce side effects.
There is also no shortage of innovations in the diagnostic field, with the introduction of enteroscopy with ingestible microcameraa cutting-edge technique that allows you to visualize the small intestine non-invasively. A less invasive and more comfortable alternative to traditional endoscopic techniques. And again, the reintroduction of extracorporeal photopheresisa procedure used to treat some immunological conditions, which can improve the quality of life of patients with autoimmune diseases.
Finally, the new Nomenclator expands and updates the list of prostheses and aids for the disabledincluding latest generation devices to improve patients’ quality of life. An important intervention to guarantee the social inclusion and active participation of people with disabilities.
To finance the new services, the Government has allocated 550 million euroswhich will be used to reimburse the regions for the care provided by healthcare facilities. This is an important investment for citizens’ health, which will guarantee access to innovative and quality treatments.
The approval of the new tariff nomenclature represents a turning point for Italian healthcare. The introduction of new services, such as MAP, treatments for rare diseases, the diagnosis of celiac disease and hadrontherapy, will guarantee all citizens access to cutting-edge treatments. Despite the critical issues raised by some private healthcare organisations, this is a fundamental step forward for the health of Italians.