Health insurance premiums: the PLR proposes a cantonal strategy

Context

In brief

• The FDP proposes a cantonal strategy to curb healthcare costs.
• In 2026, health insurance premiums in Ticino rose by 7.1%.
• Public spending for RIPAM has increased by 47% in six years.
• A quarterly monitoring of healthcare costs in Ticino has been requested.

Key facts

Submission date: September 21, 2026 Proponent: Alessandra Gianella Political group: FDP 2026 premium increase Ticino: 7.1% 2026 premium increase Switzerland: 4.4% 2026 adult premium increase: 6.9% 2026 young adult premium increase: 7.3% 2026 minor premium increase: 7.7%

On September 21, 2026, Alessandra Gianella, on behalf of the FDP group, presented a motion to the Grand Council aimed at implementing a cantonal strategy to contain healthcare spending. The initiative stems from the need to intervene structurally in the costs fueling the growth of health insurance premiums, moving beyond the simple provision of subsidies. The context highlighted by the text is that of a Ticino which recorded an average premium increase of 7.1% in 2026, a figure higher than the 4.4% recorded at the national level. Analyzing the progression by age group, the motion underlines how for adults the increase was 6.9%, for young adults 7.3%, and for minors 7.7%. The projections by bonus.ch mentioned in the document also indicate the possibility of a further national price hike of between 4.5% and 5% for 2027.

The impact on public coffers

The motion emphasizes the financial sustainability of the system, highlighting how the overall expenditure for the Reduction of health insurance premiums (RIPAM) and the coverage of premiums for beneficiaries of OASI/DI supplementary benefits has risen significantly. Specifically, it went from 307.7 million francs in 2020 to 426 million in 2025, with a forecast of 453.5 million for 2026. This increase, equal to about 47% in just six years, raises questions about the stability of the current model. The FDP believes that politics cannot limit itself to transferring the burden of costs from the insured to the taxpayers, highlighting how the middle class is particularly exposed to this dynamic, suffering a contraction of disposable income due to high premiums and the low incidence of individual reduction measures for this category.

Operational details

The analysis proposed by the FDP focuses on the need for more rigorous and transparent healthcare governance within the Canton of Ticino. The motion calls for the introduction of a quarterly, concise, and accessible monitoring of compulsory insurance costs, based on data already available at the federal level. The goal is to break down expenses by major service groups, comparing them with national averages and those of other comparable cantons. In addition to this control tool, an in-depth annual analysis is proposed to identify the causes of expenditure deviations and the sectors where costs are growing most rapidly. Such data should serve as the basis for a cantonal containment strategy, to be updated at least once per legislative period, which defines priorities, measurable objectives, and concrete measures under cantonal jurisdiction.

Supply planning and EFAS reform

A central element of the proposal concerns the planning of healthcare supply, both stationary and outpatient, with the intent of aligning it with the actual needs of the population. The FDP aims to limit redundant capacities and oversupply, which can generate additional costs without providing concrete health benefits. The EFAS reform on the uniform financing of services fits into this framework. The FDP's request is that the Canton prepares for the implementation of the reform not only from a financial perspective, but by favoring the shift of services from the stationary to the outpatient sector, where clinically appropriate. This would improve the overall efficiency of the supply. Furthermore, the motion proposes the establishment of a structured annual dialogue between the main players in Ticino's healthcare system to formulate concrete containment proposals, clearly distinguishing between interventions under cantonal and federal jurisdiction. Regarding transparency, it is requested that every cantonal health policy decision be accompanied by an indication of the expected impact on compulsory insurance costs and that the Government submit a biennial report to the Grand Council on the evolution of expenditure and the results achieved.

Useful planning tools

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Key points

For citizens and workers residing or active in Ticino, the issue of rising LAMal premiums represents a primary expense. The FDP motion directly impacts household budgets, which face constant increases and growing indirect fiscal pressure. It is crucial to understand that while the political debate focuses on cost-containment strategies, individual policyholders must continue to actively manage their insurance status. The transparency requested by the motion, if translated into public reports and accessible monitoring, will allow for a clearer view of the factors influencing healthcare spending, facilitating more informed choices. For those working in Ticino, it is essential to constantly monitor price dynamics and available coverage.

Tools for cost management

While waiting for healthcare cost-containment strategies to be implemented, policyholders can utilize established tools to manage their budgets. Choosing the right deductible and regularly reviewing contractual conditions remain the pillars for optimizing the impact of premiums on net income. It is advisable to use official comparison tools to evaluate the various options offered by health insurance funds, keeping in mind that the LAMal system guarantees mandatory coverage but allows for personalized management of risk levels and monthly premiums. For those wishing to delve deeper into the impact of healthcare spending and social charges on their salary, it is essential to use accurate calculation tools. Managing one's payslip, also considering AVS contributions and tax withholdings, requires a clear overview. To verify how different salary components and deductions affect your monthly net income and to better plan the management of your earnings, we invite you to use the calculator dedicated to payslips and taxes.

Source: tio.ch