To the issue of the constitutional right to free medical care

The article reveals the meaning of the constitutional right to free medical care, which is one of the most important legal aspects in the Russian legislation. This right is exercised in accordance with the Program of state guarantees of free medical care to citizens in state and municipal healthcare institutions. But it happens that in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, those regional programs are adopted that are contrary to the Federal program provisions as law-enforcement prosecution practice shows it. The author considers the possibility of receiving free treatment in private healthcare institutions. The analysis of the current legislation allows making a conclusion that free medical care is available in medical healthcare institutions that are included in the Program of state guarantees of free medical care to citizens as well as in the program of compulsory health insurance.