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Can You Save Using Online Drugstores? Prescription drugs bills can take a significant chunk of your budget. A new study shows that half of all seniors who have private insurance coverage still spend $500 to $999 a year in out-of-pocket costs on prescription drugs. If you are among the one third of all seniors who have no prescription drug coverage at all you pay even more. You can cut drug costs significantly by shopping around. That includes shopping for your pharmaceuticals over the Internet. A special report in October 1999 issue of Consumer Reports found that online drugstores generally offer the best deal over other sources including drugstore chains, independents, supermarkets and mass merchants. In a study of 5 commonly prescribed drugs, the savings were as high as 29% over other sources. If you don't have access to the Internet, you can find free access at libraries, many senior centers, and Area Boards For The Aging. Legitimate online pharmacies generally offer prescription drugs, vitamins, and health and beauty products. As well as listing the prices of medications, they dispense confidential advice either by e-mail or by phone, provide prescription refill reminders, and warnings about drug interactions. Orders are placed via a "secure server," meaning the credit card information you provide is protected from unauthorized online access. You can also place orders by phone. Legitimate online pharmacies require a copy of your prescription. They may accept faxed copies to verify with your doctor, or contact your doctor directly. Orders are mailed back to you. If you have prescription drug coverage, online pharmacies may not accept your insurance-always ask. Because orders are mailed, consider shipping charges when comparing prices. Shipping charges may make your prescription more expensive than if purchased at a store in your area. Be wary of online drugstores which do not require a prescription. Online Drugstores www.drugstore.com 800-378-4786 www.planetrx.com 888-840-7979 AARP Pharmacy Service (www.rpspharmacy.com) 800-305-6992 www.cvs.com 888-700-7662 www.drugplace.com 800-881-6325 Source: "Relief For The Rxblues," Consumer Reports, October 1999. Reprints of report available for $3. Write to: CU/Reprints, 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, N.Y. 10703-1057. Ask for reprint RO177. This article first appeared in Volume 5, Issue 2 of "The Social Security and Medicare Advisor" newsletter (December/January/2000). To receive future editions of "The Advisor" in its special, free e-mail version, please click here. | ||||||||
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