According to Central Statistical Office 3 million people at the age of above 75 lived in Poland in the year 2014. Statistical data showed that nearly 17% of seniors do not buy prescribed medicines, 30% of them used only half of prescribed dosage and 21% stops therapy all this due to economic reasons. In some Member States of European Union including Belgium, Greece, Spain, Germany and United Kingdom, medicines for special groups under social protection are free of charge. Such law was passed in Poland on 16 March 2016 guaranteeing free medicines for people aged 75 and over. Free of charge food intended for special nutrition purpose and medical devices for patients aged 75 and over are stated in the Minister of Health list. The list of free of charge medicines, food intended for special nutrition purpose and medical devices includes 1129 items. The list includes medicines with the highest rate of costs bore by seniors in years 2012–2015. According to provisions of Law Act of 18 March 2016 free of charge medicine for people aged 75 and over can be prescribed by primary care physician and nurse. Additionally, such entitlement has been assigned to physicians prescribing medicines pro auctore and pro familiae. Law Act of 18 March 2016 on free medicines for people aged 75 and over should boost health condition of seniors by tackling negative outcomes of not buying prescribed medicines or interrupting treatment due to economic reasons.

Key words: free of charge medicine, seniors, primary care physician, primary care nurse.