Italy strides towards healthcare federalism:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Italian regions will have "total freedom" to decide how best to control healthcare expenditure, under an agreement signed last week between the government and the regions. The move is important for two main reasons, says the government: it ensures that the regions have a clear view of the extent of healthcare funding available over a four-year period; and it "fits perfectly with current federalist thinking". While the regions will be free to set spending policies, the central government will retain oversight for healthcare provision and specify minimum service standards, including copayments, it says.