Ticino votes to curb health insurance costs
The residents of Ticino backed proposals aimed at easing the burden of health insurance premiums in a turnout of 51.64%. The PS-backed initiative to cap premiums won 57.08% of valid votes in the canton, signaling a clear preference for curbs on rising healthcare costs at the cantonal level. By contrast, nationwide sentiment last June showed Swiss voters rejected a similar premium-relief effort by 55.5%, underscoring different regional dynamics within the country.
Impact on premiums and deductibles
While the cantonal result is a vote of discontent with price increases, Ticino still faces higher costs ahead. Premiums are set to rise, on average, by about 7.1% next year in Ticino, following a 10.5% increase this year. The canton now holds the distinction of having the highest health insurance premiums in Switzerland, illustrating the tension between policy aims and the financial realities of healthcare financing.
In parallel, a separate initiative led by the Lega to raise the maximum deductible amounts for health insurance also found strong support, with 60.51% voting in favor. If implemented, the deductibles would climb from 5,500 CHF to 9,000 CHF for single individuals and from 10,900 CHF to 18,000 CHF for married couples. There are also provisions to raise deductibles for retirees, reflecting a broad intent to temper premium costs by shifting more of the cost burden to policyholders.
Official reactions and the path forward
The Grand Council of Ticino and the cantonal government recommended rejecting both initiatives. The resounding backing for the two measures, however, indicates a deep disillusionment among Ticino residents with repeated premium increases. Critics warn that passing the measures could simply transfer costs rather than solve underlying financial pressures in the health system.
Norman Gobbi, president of the cantonal Council, cautioned that the measures would not fundamentally alter the upward trajectory of health costs. “It will not change the growing costs of our health system,” he said. He emphasized the need for a broader reform to address structural issues within the health sector and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maximizing the canton’s room for maneuver in health policy. Gobbi also noted that reforms would require cooperation with federal authorities and a more profound clarification of cantonal capabilities.
What the cantons can do next
Raffaele De Rosa, Ticino’s health minister, argued that the current system remains “unsustainable” in its present form, despite cantonal efforts over the years. He pledged to keep pressing for change at multiple levels, while acknowledging the constraints faced by the cantons in many areas. De Rosa’s comments highlighted the broader debate within Switzerland: how to balance federal reform with cantonal experimentation when costs continue to rise and patient access remains critical.
Looking ahead
These votes reveal a clear demand in Ticino for immediate action to rein in health costs, even as the path to reform remains complex. The results may influence debates at the federal level about sustainable healthcare financing and premium relief mechanisms. For now, Ticino has signaled that residents are prepared to back measures that cap or alter premium contributions while pushing for deeper, structural reforms to ensure long-term affordability and access to care.
