Financial Support for the Purchase of Infant Formula for Women Affected by Medical Conditions Preventing Breastfeeding

OBJECTIVE OF THE MEASURE
To provide financial support for the purchase of breast milk substitutes (infant formula) for women affected by the medical conditions listed in Annex 1 of the Ministry of Health Decree of 31 August 2021, which prevent natural breastfeeding.

ELIGIBILITY
New mothers affected by medical conditions that prevent breastfeeding, and their infants up to six months of age.
Among the absolute contraindications to breastfeeding is the death of the mother. In such cases, the person with parental responsibility for the infant may apply for the contribution.

TYPE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ASSISTANCE
Financial support of up to a maximum annual amount of €400.00.

HOW TO USE THE ASSISTANCE
Eligible applicants may submit a request for financial support for the purchase of infant formula in relation to expenses incurred for babies born between 1 January and 31 December, covering the infant’s first six months of life. Applications must be submitted by 15 February of the following year at the dedicated ASST offices located within Community Health Centres (Case di Comunità) or Family Counselling Centres.
To apply for the contribution, applicants must provide:

• a certificate confirming the relevant medical condition, issued free of charge by a specialist working within or affiliated with the National Health Service. This may include, in particular, the birth centre’s paediatrician or neonatologist for conditions identified during pregnancy or at birth, or the General Practitioner, Primary Care Paediatrician, or specialist for conditions arising after discharge;
• a prescription for infant formula issued by the neonatologist or paediatrician at the birth centre, the General Practitioner, the Primary Care Paediatrician, or a specialist. Prescriptions are issued monthly following reassessment of the conditions preventing breastfeeding, for a maximum period covering the child’s first six months of life;
• a standard ISEE certificate with an annual value not exceeding €30,000 for the year in which the expenses are incurred;
• proof of purchase for the breast milk substitutes (infant formula).

If the child’s first six months of life span two calendar years, two separate applications must be submitted, one for each relevant year of expenditure.

The ASST (Local Health and Social Care Authority) will assess the applications received and the supporting documentation submitted, and will forward the list of eligible requests to ATS Val Padana by 15 March each year for the subsequent procedures, as provided for by Regional Council Resolution No. XII/2919 of 5 August 2024.

The ATS (Local Health Protection Agency) authorities responsible for the relevant local area will issue the approved financial contributions to eligible applicants by 31 May each year.

INFORMATION AND CONTACT
For further information, please contact the ATS Val Padana representatives listed below:

• Carra Silvia, tel. 0376 334537
• Bissa Liliana, tel. 0376 334560
• E-mail: pipss.retifamiglia@ats-valpadana.it