Perspective               

Rx Drugs Abroad

Notwithstanding repeated promises from President Bush and members of Congress to give people with Medicare prescription drug coverage, Congressional gridlock and months of fierce debate have left older and disabled Americans where they started: without a prescription drug benefit. With no solution to this growing problem in sight, people with Medicare are forced to find creative ways to save on their drug costs. Many are turning to Mexico and Canada to buy drugs.

For example, Americans living near the Mexican border travel to Mexico to buy over-the-counter drugs that would require prescriptions in the United States. Although the number of people going outside the country to buy prescription drugs is not tracked, it is clear that demand for cheaper drugs is high-high enough to have produced middlemen who order drugs for Americans who cannot travel to Canada or Mexico themselves.

Although the practice is technically illegal, the Food and Drug Administration has not been taking action against individuals who import prescription drugs for their personal use, up to a 90-day supply.

For information on help paying for your prescription drugs, click here or call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program. The number is listed in Medicare and You.

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