Medicare’s prescription drug plan, Part-D, has received a cold response, but it has increased the popularity of the Canadian pharmacy. What was touted as a groundbreaking plan has become a mess. The plan provides prescription drug coverage to Medicare recipients. Instead of being controlled directly through Medicare, the plans are offered via various private insurance companies. The resulting confusion has lead many Medicare patients to the Canadian pharmacy.

Since the plan began, many have recognized the benefit provided by the Canadian pharmacy. Some Medicare patients can’t find a plan containing all their medications. A medication not offered by a patient’s plan must be obtained elsewhere. The Canadian pharmacy often fills this need.

The benefits of using a Canadian pharmacy

• Wading through the plans can be confusing. Each plan has its own rules, medications, and fees. For many, buying from an inexpensive Canadian pharmacy is easier.
• Some plans dictate where patients must shop. A Canadian pharmacy may be more convenient.
• Canadian pharmacy medications are usually cheaper than those through Medicare

Critics of Part-D say the first mistake was allowing American pharmaceutical companies to set their own prices. They argue that many senior citizens have no choice but to choose the low cost Canadian pharmacy. Thousands of low-income Medicare patients are finding it difficult to get the proper medication, are dealing with increased costs, simply doing without, or choosing the Canadian pharmacy.

Decreasing the Canadian pharmacy influence

Part-D was supposed to lower drug costs, decrease the lure of the Canadian pharmacy, and keep business in America – the opposite has happened. A report issued by The United States House of Representatives raised concern over the validity of Part-D. And research shows that medication under Part-D costs as much as 50% more than the same medications from a Canadian pharmacy.

Buying from a Canadian pharmacy can possibly save Medicare patients a substantial amount of money. A Canadian pharmacy can be a good place to purchase the necessary medication that may not be included in a specific Part-D plan. However, a bit of caution is necessary when choose a Canadian pharmacy. A website may claim to represent a reputable Canadian pharmacy, but that doesn’t mean it does. An online Canadian pharmacy may or may not be safe. How can you check the validity of a Canadian pharmacy?

Choosing a reputable Canadian pharmacy

Here are some ways to check the validity of a Canadian pharmacy:

• Make sure the Canadian pharmacy website lists contact information. A Canadian pharmacy should have a phone number and address where a live person can be contacted.
• The Canadian pharmacy should require a valid doctor’s prescription. This information should be on the site. A reputable Canadian pharmacy (or American) always requires a prescription.
• Avoid any Canadian pharmacy (or American) which sends unsolicited emails containing misspelled drug names.
• Verify the Canadian pharmacy with Canada’s National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA). They should contain information about any valid Canadian pharmacy.