“In recent days, the discussion on my proposal for healthcare assistance for AIRE-registered Italians has continued in the Social Affairs Committee — we are working collaboratively to approve a fundamental principle of assistance for Italians living abroad.”
The proposal, in exchange for a contribution, would allow Italians registered with AIRE — and therefore not subject to income tax in Italy — to enroll in the national health service and access the same healthcare services as residents in Italy.
Two proposals have been submitted to the Chamber of Deputies: one from the Democratic Party by Hon. Di Sanzo, and another from Brothers of Italy by Hon. Di Giuseppe.
Di Sanzo recalled how the process started with his agenda item, which was unanimously approved in the Chamber of Deputies during the budget law discussions in December 2023. “My agenda item, approved unanimously in the Chamber of Deputies in December 2023, called for the recognition of the fundamental right of AIRE-registered Italians to access the national health service; the unanimous approval of this principle — for the first time in the history of Parliament — enabled the start of a collaborative process to find a solution to this issue.”
Hon. Di Sanzo’s bill addresses the matter comprehensively, proposing a progressive contribution based on income and requesting exemptions for certain categories — particularly retirees who pay taxes in Italy and students without income.
“We are approaching the issue of healthcare assistance with the utmost cooperation, aiming to achieve an important result for all AIRE-registered Italians. The proposal from Brothers of Italy calls for a flat annual contribution of 2,000 euros. In the coming days, we will propose adjustments through amendments aimed at introducing income-based progressivity in the contribution, to make the solution more accessible. At the same time, we are seeking exemptions for specific categories such as retirees who pay taxes in Italy and students without income — we are fully committed on this.”
In addition to the proposals by Hon. Di Sanzo and Hon. Di Giuseppe, another proposal was submitted by Hon. Onori of Azione, which essentially mirrors the text of the one submitted by Hon. Di Sanzo from the Democratic Party.
“The healthcare assistance proposal for AIRE-registered Italians presented by Azione is essentially identical to the one already submitted by the Democratic Party — when someone uses your work as a model for a bill, it’s a sign that you’re doing good work,” said Hon. Di Sanzo.
