Cutting Prescription Drug Costs

Cutting Prescription Drug Costs (NAPSA)—Agroup of veterans who were wounded in combat are engaged in a new kindof battle on a different type of front. They’re working to find ways Americans can cut their prescription drug costs—and it seems they may be winningthefight. The Military Order of the Purple Heart recently launched a prescription and over-the-counter drug program that’s available to its members and the general public. The program allows people to order drugs from Canadaat a significant discount from what the same drugs cost in the U.S. The pharmacists filling the prescriptions are professionally licensed in the province of British Columbia. Products sold through the mail meet FDA standards and are available at extreme discount. Generic drugs sold through the program also tend to be priced lower. The program comes at a time when studies show that prescription drug costs are rising—and the number of Americans with insurance is decreasing. In fact, it’s estimated that as many as a third of seniors have no prescription drug coverage, yet prescription drug spending in the U.S. increases each year(by 13 percent between 1993 and 2000 alone). It’s hoped the new drug program will help reverse some of these trends. Participants in the program can order drugs from Canada by A new veteran-sponsored program lets Americans order inexpensive prescription drugs from Canada. calling 1-800-469-0955. People can also go to purpleheart.org and click on the “prescription” link. That will take them to the Canadian Web site where drugs and prices are listed. If a prescription is required, it must be sent by fax to Canada (1-800-469-0705). If the buyer mentions “Purple Heart” while ordering, a small donation will be made to the Order by the pharmacy. There is no tax and shippingis free for orders over $200. Any order over $50 receives a $5 discount. An added bonus to the program: When people use it to order drugs from a Canadian pharmacy, the Military Order of the Purple Heart will receive a small donation. For more information, visit www.purpleheart.org.