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Spain Approves €500 Million Decree to Implement ALS Law, Creates 24‑Hour Care Tier

Patient groups want guarantees that the new funding will quickly translate into services delivered by regional authorities.

Overview

  • The Council of Ministers approved a decree law allocating €500 million to reinforce the dependency system (SAAD) and deploy the Ley ELA.
  • The government established a new Grado III+ category that ensures 24‑hour care for people with ALS and other complex irreversible diseases.
  • The Social Rights Ministry previously sent Hacienda a June proposal to adapt the system with an additional €200 million, and Minister Pablo Bustinduy pledged to resolve rules and secure financing for regions by October 31.
  • The deployment plan is organized in two phases, beginning with faster dependency assessments, specialized professional training, and travel, meal, and lodging aid, with later steps expanding services, rehabilitation, and a national registry.
  • ConELA welcomed the move but says a €10 million subsidy approved in July and other funds have not consistently reached patients, citing more than 600 deaths since the law’s approval.