Health and Economic Impact of Atrial Fibrillation of Workers in Italy: Social Security Benefits

Marco Trabucco Aurilio, Francesco Saverio Mennini, Claudia Nardone, Andrea Piccioni, Matteo Bolcato, Vincenzo Russo, Valerio Sciannamea, Raffaele Migliorini, Luca Coppeta and Andrea Magrini
Additional contact information
Marco Trabucco Aurilio: Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “V. Tiberio”, University of Molise, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
Claudia Nardone: CEIS EEHTA, DEF Department, Faculty of Economics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
Andrea Piccioni: Emergency Medicine Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
Matteo Bolcato: Legal Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
Vincenzo Russo: Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
Valerio Sciannamea: Ufficio di Coordinamento Medico Legale, Istituto Nazionale Previdenza Sociale (INPS), 00144 Rome, Italy
Raffaele Migliorini: Ufficio di Coordinamento Medico Legale, Istituto Nazionale Previdenza Sociale (INPS), 00144 Rome, Italy
Luca Coppeta: Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
Andrea Magrini: Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 3, 1-8

Abstract: Background: The aim of this research was to analyze trends in social security applications in Italy as a result of the onset of atrial fibrillation, analyzing data pertaining to the classification of professions and assessing the economic impact on the social security system. Methods: We analyzed all applications for invalidity allowances and invalidity pensions throughout Italy over a 10-year period from 01.01.2009 to 31.12.2019, giving specific attention to all reports indicating atrial fibrillation as the principal diagnosis (Cod. ICD-9-CM 427.31). We then extracted the relative expenditure data for said benefits. The results of all analyses have been collated in tables. Results: Over the period in question, a total of 3468 applications for assistance were filed throughout Italy indicating a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, of which 58% were rejected, 41% qualified for an invalidity allowance, and only 1.1% qualified for a pension. On average, every year, 1100 workers received social security benefits as a result of a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, which equates to an average annual expenditure of EUR 10 million. A comparison of the data from the first observation year (2009) with data from the last (2019) shows a rising trend in the number of beneficiaries and consequently in expenses. Conclusions: The social security assistance provided by the Italian government by means of the National Institute of Social Security is fundamental to social cohesion and to those who are either permanently disabled from working or those with a significantly diminished earning capacity. This assistance is associated with a significant financial cost, which requires careful monitoring.

Keywords: atrial fibrillation; healthcare costs; occupational health; medico-legal evaluation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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