What's Happening?
Italy's healthcare system, the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), is recognized globally for its quality, accessibility, and life expectancy outcomes. Funded through taxes, the SSN is universal and available to all legal residents, including foreigners.
The system is based on the principle that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Legal residents can register for the SSN through mandatory or voluntary registration, with the latter requiring a fee. Once registered, individuals receive a Tessera Sanitaria, granting access to medical services. Despite the complexity of the registration process, the system is praised for its efficiency and human-centered approach. In comparison, the U.S. spends significantly more per capita on healthcare with less favorable outcomes.
Why It's Important?
The Italian healthcare model highlights a successful approach to universal healthcare, contrasting sharply with the U.S. system. Italy's lower per capita spending and higher life expectancy suggest that a public, tax-funded system can deliver superior health outcomes. This comparison may influence ongoing debates in the U.S. about healthcare reform, particularly regarding the cost and accessibility of medical services. The Italian model demonstrates that a focus on healthcare as a collective responsibility can lead to better health indicators, potentially informing U.S. policy discussions on how to improve its healthcare system.
