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Alternative to Canadian `Drug Runs` For seniors living close to Canada, buying drugs across the border can cut U.S. prescription drug prices by more than half. Crossing the Canadian border to buy up to a six-month supply of prescription drugs is within the law of both countries. You must visit a Canadian doctor to obtain a valid prescription or visit a U.S. doctor with a `border license` to prescribe in both countries. A nonprofit health care group in Vermont has found a way around the ordeal of long bus rides to Canadian pharmacies. The United Health Alliance maintains a web site that allows U.S. doctors to compare the U.S. price of a prescription drug to the Canadian price. The site includes a form resembling a prescription that U.S. doctors can fax to an Ontario pharmacy, along with the patient`s credit card number. The drugs are shipped in about 12 to 14 business days to the doctor`s office to distribute to patients. Depending on the drug, U.S. patients may save as much as 50% or more on their prescription. To find out if the program can save you money, ask your doctor if he or she would be willing to provide this service (keeping in mind that not all doctors will be willing or able to do so). Ask your doctor to check the United Health Alliance web site at www.unitedhealthalliance.com to compare the U.S. and Canadian prices for your prescription. Remember to add shipping and handling charges. Source: `Bargain Drug Prices Spark Border Crossings,` Elizabeth Mehren, LA Times, Monday, December 4, 2000. This article first appeared in Volume 6, Issue 4 of "The Social Security and Medicare Advisor" newsletter (March/2001). To receive future editions of "The Advisor" in its special, free e-mail version, please click here. | ||||||||
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