The Council of Ministers approved on Monday a draft law to broaden access to free medicines, extending eligibility to children under 18 and seniors over 65, announced Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a Wołomin briefing.
The explanatory memorandum to the draft amendments to the Healthcare Financed from General Funds Act and the Act on the Reimbursement of Medicines, Foodstuffs for Special Nutrition and Medical Devices notes that these groups are among those with the greatest need for medicines, specially tailored foods, and medical devices.
As aging tends to raise overall medicine demand, the government recognizes that those over 65 often face higher health costs in retirement, making medical expenses a heavy burden on many households. Likewise, minors depend on guardians or legal representatives, which compounds the financial pressures on families or caregivers.
Even when most carers of minors are employed, the obligation to cover treatment costs for children whose need for medicines and specialized nutrition is essential can be financially draining, since such medicines and foods are not optional and should not be skipped due to budget constraints.
A detailed list of medicines, foods for particular nutritional uses, and medical devices will be announced by the Minister of Health through separate communications for those under 18 and those 65 and older.
Intergenerational solidarity program
The draft law, aimed at widening the circle of people entitled to free medicines to include minors and seniors, is described by the Prime Minister as an intergenerational solidarity initiative. The Prime Minister spoke at a joint briefing with the health minister in Wołomin, confirming government approval of an amendment to the “Medicines for seniors 75 plus” program.
Morawiecki noted that the program will now cover more than 4,000 medicines.
He highlighted that about three million seniors have benefited to date, and the expansion would reach roughly 14 to 15 million people, including 6 to 7 million children and youths and about 7 to 8 million seniors, retirees, and pensioners — everyone over 65.
He underscored the focus on the youngest generation, while also acknowledging the generations who have contributed to society. He described the plan as a different kind of intergenerational solidarity with additional billions of zlotys allocated in the budget. He also referenced the health policy legacy of the previous government, contrasting it with today’s approach.
The prime minister reiterated that this is a distinct program of intergenerational solidarity and that further funding has been earmarked.
When will parliament consider the bill?
Morawiecki stated his intention for the draft law extending free medicines to children under 18 and seniors over 65 to be moved through the Sejm as quickly as possible. When asked about parliamentary timing, he pointed to two remaining Sejm sessions in July.
He pledged to work toward swift passage so seniors can have timely access. He stressed his commitment to expediting the process and ensuring the bill reaches the Sejm promptly.
Health Minister Adam Niedzielski, present at the event, was asked about the expansion of the drug list. He stated that the number of medications available in the 75+ program would be doubled, growing from just over 2,000 to more than 4,000 items on the new list.
A new opening
The 65+ program is described as a new opening, demonstrating that medicine accessibility for seniors is a government priority. Niedzielski announced that the free medicines program for people under 18 and over 65 would cost about 2.4 billion euros annually, emphasizing that health reform requires additional public expenditure.
He reiterated the government’s pledge that health spending would continue to rise, enabling new initiatives like the free medicines program for seniors and for children aged 0–18. He explained that the project centers on expanding the age range and creating a new reimbursement list where medicines become free.
In addition, the plan seeks to increase the range of medicines currently available in the 75+ program. Presently there are more than 2,000 medicines on the list, with a goal of reaching over 4,000 for the broadened program 65+ and 0–18. Niedzielski noted that the 75+ program has cost about 4.5 billion PLN since it began in 2016, funded through stronger public finances and tax tightening. In the last full year of operation, 2022, the program cost nearly 800 million PLN. The current step to expand eligibility and the drug list will add about 1.6 billion PLN, bringing annual program costs to around 2.4 billion PLN. He stressed that such expenditure requires new resources from the tax system.
According to Niedzielski, the 65+ program represents a genuine new opening focused on improving access for those most in need, particularly seniors, who face multiple health challenges.
The explanatory memorandum reiterates that the groups mentioned require medicines, special foods, and medical devices the most. A ministerial communication will list medicines, foods for particular nutritional uses, and medical devices separately for under-18s and for those aged 65 and above.
Source attribution: wPolityce (Source: wPolityce)