Four Drugs Removed from Poland’s Free Senior List

19 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

senior drug reimbursement changes mean four brand-name medicines leave the free 65+ list, but pharmacists will dispense free generics.

The Ministry of Health removed four brand-name medicines from Poland’s 100% free list for people aged 65 and over. These senior drug reimbursement changes mean pharmacists will offer free generic substitutes without a new doctor’s e-prescription.

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senior drug reimbursement changes and the four removed brands

The ministry closed intensive, two-week talks with drug makers. The negotiations produced savings of 400 million złoty for the state budget. Officials confirmed that about 1,500 positions on the free list remain available. The four removed brands are Ultibro Breezhaler, Januvia, Janumet and Eliquis (apixaban).

Why the government acted now

The Health Ministry implemented rules from the May 12, 2011 law on drug reimbursement, cited as Dz.U. z 2023 r. poz. 826. Officials turned on an automated economic review. It flags medicines whose daily dose costs more than 150 percent of the cheapest market equivalent. Wiceminister Katarzyna Kacperczyk said the state cannot fully cover the cost of the most expensive commercial variants when identical generics exist.

How pharmacies and supply chains will respond

AOTMiT and the National Health Fund (NFZ) checked production capacity for cheaper substitutes. They assessed wholesalers and pharmacies to avoid stock shortages. Big-city pharmacies in Warsaw expect the largest impact. Outlets in Wola, Mokotów and Śródmieście prepare staff to answer senior questions. Pharmacists may issue a free substitute while dispensing an existing prescription. Patients do not need a new e-prescription from their GP.

What patients can expect at the counter

When you hand over an eligible prescription, ask the pharmacist for the free substitute. The pharmacist will check the active substance and choose an appropriate generic. If you prefer the original brand, you may pay the price difference on normal terms. Pharmacists can explain dosing and equivalence precisely. This automatic swap saves patients the time of re-registering at a clinic.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you rely on Polish public benefits, learn how NFZ and e-prescriptions work. NFZ is the National Health Fund that runs reimbursement programs. An e-prescription lets a pharmacist see and fill your prescription electronically. If you are an expat, check the official government portal or speak with your pharmacy before your next refill to confirm eligibility.

For expats this change matters practically and financially. If you take one of the removed brands, the chemistry and therapeutic effect remain available. Generics use the same active ingredient and dosage form. Still, expect brief questions from pharmacists about your current dose. Large pharmacies in Warsaw will handle many routine substitutions daily, reducing pressure on GP clinics.

The state framed the measure as cost control, not rationing. It aims to keep the wide free list intact while trimming the most expensive commercial options. AOTMiT and NFZ oversight intends to prevent local shortages. Senior patients should face no interruption in therapy if they accept the listed substitutes.

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