New York Times Examines Methods Seniors Use To Save Money on Prescription Drugs

The New York Times on Sept. 24 reports on the increased number of U.S. elderly patients who purchase prescription drugs in Mexico, Canada or over the Internet to reduce costs. Congress failed to pass a Medicare prescription drug benefit bill this summer, which has left many elderly patients to "devise their own strategies" to cover the cost of their treatments. For example, some seniors purchase treatments in Mexico, where they can obtain several medications that require prescriptions in the United States over the counter at a reduced price, and others purchase prescription drugs in Canada. "No one tracks how much is spent on drugs abroad," but the Times reports that the demand for prescription drugs from Canada has "spawned middlemen who order drugs for residents who want to avoid traveling to Canada." The FDA recommends against the purchase of treatments from abroad or online. Dr. Tom McGinnis, director of pharmacy affairs for the FDA, said, "It's buyer beware. We have heard about recycled medications, counterfeit drugs and medicine past its expiration date." The Times report includes interviews with four elderly patients who discuss "how they obtained their prescription drugs" (Hutter Epstein, New York Times, 9/24).