OBJECTIVES:

On 1 Sept’16, a new list of reimbursed drugs was published in Poland (updated every two months), including a new government program - free medicines for elderly. Medicines on the 'S' list are available for patients over 75 years and used most often in chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease or cardiovascular disease. Analysis of the 75+ program include: main therapeutic areas (based on ATC codes), historical expenses for the 75+ program in 2016-2017 and prognosis of future expenses in 2018.

METHODS:

Analysis of reimbursement lists published by the NHF, various sales sources (Drug Management Department reports, Resolution of the council of the NHF after adoption of periodic report on the activities of the NHF). Estimation of expenditure on the list 'S' based on differences in reimbursement amounts between two different data sources. Determination of potential expenditure of new drugs on the list 'S' in 2018 based on the estimated share of reimbursement packages in the list 'S' in the total number of packages under the pharmacy sale.

RESULTS:

Between Sept’16 and May’18, the 'S' list have included more than 1,000 new drug packages and 80 new active substances. The vast majority of drugs on the reimbursement lists were indicated to use in 'Cardiovascular system' (ATC code: C) (59% and 49% respectively). The estimated expenses for the 75+ program in 2016 amounted to approximately 95.9 million PLN (at 125.0 million budget), 520.4 million PLN (at 564.3 million budget) in 2017. Expenditure in 2018 will equal, depending on the scenario, from 593.6 to approximately 760 million PLN (planned budget 643.3 million PLN).

CONCLUSIONS:

In the Polish reimbursement system, free medicines for elderly is developing very quickly and includes more and more different medicines. The dynamic development of the program may result in exceeding the planned budget for the program implementation.