Affordable dental care in Ticino: the fight for reimbursement

Context

In brief

• 28.8% of the Swiss population gave up dental care for financial reasons in 2023.
• On June 14, 2026, Ticino residents will vote on the initiative for dental care reimbursement.
• The proposed insurance model is inspired by the AVS system.

Key facts

• What: Generic popular legislative initiative 'For the reimbursement of dental care'.
• When: Cantonal vote on June 14, 2026.
• Where: Canton of Ticino.
• Who: Promoting committee with parties, unions, associations, and healthcare professionals.
• Amount: 28.8% of the Swiss population gave up dental care for financial reasons in 2023.

BELLINZONA - The promoting committee today presented the 'Yes to dental care' campaign at Casa Marta, Bellinzona, for the cantonal vote on June 14, 2026, on the generic popular legislative initiative 'For the reimbursement of dental care'. A broad coalition of parties, unions, associations, and healthcare professionals defends five fundamental arguments: equity in access, public health, support for families, a proven insurance model, and a necessary constitutional principle.

The generic popular legislative initiative 'For the reimbursement of dental care' was submitted in 2015 with 8,283 valid signatures by the Left and Unions. After more than ten years of parliamentary process, the Grand Council rejected it on January 27, 2026, with 49 no and 22 yes votes. Since the promoters did not withdraw the initiative, the Ticino people are called to vote on June 14, 2026.

As explained by the first signatory Prof. Dr. Franco Cavalli, 'the text proposes to include in the cantonal constitution the principle that every person residing in Ticino has the right to reimbursement of basic dental care, guaranteed by a public insurance financed with contributions proportional to the income of workers, employers, and the State'. The implementing details - covered benefits, rates, methods - will be defined subsequently by Parliament.

Inequalities in access to care

As explained by Nancy Lunghi, who also brings her daily experience as a dentist, 'a significant part of the Ticino population cannot afford adequate dental care due to costs'. They are often induced to take on debt. This is confirmed by statistical data: according to the IHP Survey 2023 of the Commonwealth Fund, analyzed by Obsan on behalf of the UFSP (Obsan Report 10/2023), 28.8% of the Swiss population gave up dental care for financial reasons, compared to 20.7% in 2016. Almost 1 in 3 Swiss people postpones or gives up dental care or check-ups: a figure that has strongly increased in recent years.

This situation is also confirmed by the union world. Nicole Rossi, political secretary of USS Ticino and Moesa, explains that 'the existing subsidies for beneficiaries of social assistance or complementary benefits are not enough because they systematically exclude the intermediate strata of the population'. That is, 'normal families'. A growing difficulty, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office, 'almost one family in five does not have sufficient reserves to face an unexpected expense of CHF 2,500. Over 90% of dental costs are currently borne by patients, directly or through private supplementary insurance.

The YES front emphasizes that the initiative proposes a public, transparent, and sustainable insurance model, inspired by the AVS system: contributions would be proportional to income and funded equally by workers and employers, with state support for those not engaged in work. A system designed to guarantee access to basic dental care for all residents of the Canton of Ticino.

The YES campaign is supported by a broad coalition that includes parties (Forum Alternativo, I Verdi, Movimento per il Socialismo, Partito Comunista, Partito Popolare Operaio, Partito Socialista and Più Donne), unions (SEV, SISA, SSM, Syndicom, UNIA, USS, VPOD), associations (ASP, ATLaS, AvenirSocial, Coordonne*, FaMo+, Io Lotto and SOS Ticino) and healthcare professionals, as well as many individuals from civil society.

For cross-border workers who work in Ticino and reside in Italy, the initiative represents a significant opportunity to access basic dental care without incurring high costs. Currently, many cross-border workers forgo essential dental treatments due to costs, which can be a significant burden for families.

If the initiative is approved, cross-border workers will be able to benefit from a system of reimbursement for basic dental care, funded through income-proportional contributions. This could mean significant savings for cross-border families, who will finally be able to access dental care without fear of costs.

To learn more about how this initiative could affect your financial situation, use our calculator to estimate potential savings and plan your budget better.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The initiative for reimbursing basic dental care in Ticino could have a significant impact on cross-border workers employed in the canton. Currently, many cross-border workers forgo essential dental care due to high costs, which can represent a significant burden for families.

If the initiative is approved, cross-border workers will be able to benefit from a system of reimbursement for basic dental care, funded through contributions proportional to income. This could mean significant savings for cross-border worker families, who will finally be able to access dental care without fear of costs.

Comparison with the current situation

Currently, over 90% of dental costs are borne by patients, either directly or through private complementary insurance. This means that many families, especially those in the middle class, have to face high expenses for basic dental care. According to data from the IHP Survey 2023 by the Commonwealth Fund, 28.8% of the Swiss population has forgone dental care for financial reasons, a significant increase from 20.7% in 2016.

The initiative proposes a public, transparent, and sustainable insurance model, inspired by the AVS system. Contributions would be proportional to income and funded equally by workers and employers, with state support for those who do not engage in paid work. This model could ensure more equitable access to dental care for all residents of the Canton of Ticino, including cross-border workers.

Future scenarios

If the initiative is approved, cross-border workers will be able to benefit from a system of reimbursement for basic dental care. This could mean significant savings for cross-border worker families, who will finally be able to access dental care without fear of costs. Furthermore, the proposed system could reduce inequalities in access to dental care, ensuring that all residents of the Canton of Ticino have access to basic care.

However, it is important to note that the implementation details—covered services, rates, and procedures—will be defined later by Parliament. This means that cross-border workers will have to wait for further information to understand exactly how the system will work and which services will be covered.

For cross-border workers who wish to better plan their budget and understand the potential impact of this initiative, it is useful to use tools such as the calculator to estimate potential savings and better plan their finances.

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

What to Do Now

For cross-border workers who want to stay updated on the initiative and better understand the implications for their financial situation, there are several steps that can be followed.

Step-by-Step

1. Inform yourself: Read the details of the initiative carefully and understand how it might affect your financial situation. Use reliable and up-to-date sources to get accurate information. 2. Calculate potential savings: Use the calculator to estimate the potential savings you could obtain if the initiative is approved. This will help you plan your budget better and understand the financial impact. 3. Participate in the vote: Make sure you are registered to vote and participate in the vote on June 14, 2026. Your voice is important and can make a difference. 4. Consult an expert: If you have specific questions or concerns, consult a financial expert or tax advisor for personalized advice.

Useful Tools

In addition to the calculator, there are other tools that can be useful for cross-border workers. For example, the comparison tool can help you compare health insurance options and find the best solution for your needs. Additionally, the tax calendar can help you keep track of important deadlines and plan your finances better.

Conclusion

The initiative for the reimbursement of basic dental care in Ticino represents a significant opportunity for cross-border workers to access dental care without fear of costs. Use the available tools to stay updated and plan your budget better. Participate in the vote and make your voice heard. For more information and to use the calculator, visit our website and discover how this initiative could affect your financial situation.

Source: tio.ch