Canadian Online Pharmacies a Safety-Net for Medicare Prescription Gaps

Licensed Canadian Pharmacies may prove to be a vital lifeline for U.S. seniors that face inadequate coverage under the new Medicare prescription drug program starting in 2006. Canada's online pharmacy expert goes on tour in the U.S. to speak to seniors about their options and help them make informed decisions.

Vancouver, Canada (PRWEB) September 13, 2005 --- Medicare's new Prescription Drug coverage (Part D) begins in 2006 and American seniors are struggling to assess and understand the complexity of the program and what it means for them. Even professional caregivers find themselves confused and concerned about the gaps in coverage and the high cost of premiums and deductibles. But of particular concern is the now infamous "donut hole" between the initial and catastrophic coverage, where patients must pay for 100% of their prescription costs.

As well, seniors must carefully select a plan that meets their own prescription needs. Each plan can vary in terms of actual drug coverage and cost of premiums. Many seniors fear large annual hikes in the premiums after enrollment and possible reduction of other Medicare benefits. But their greatest concern -- plans that do not cover the drugs they take or arbitrary shifts in coverage at the whim of the drug companies. Even with coverage the overall savings may be marginal for some.

Although the new Medicare drug coverage will benefit some patients, there will likely be many that will slip through the cracks or receive only partial coverage.

One way to mitigate Medicare shortfalls is to order prescriptions by mail from Canada. For 5 years, American patients have saved between 30 -- 70% on drugs dispensed by licensed Canadian pharmacies and enjoy the convenience of having their medications shipped to their doorstep. Analysis shows that purchasing from a Canadian pharmacy may be an ideal way to shore up the gaps in any prescription coverage including Medicare.

The former executive director of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, David MacKay, will be touring U.S. communities speaking to seniors, caregivers and advocacy groups about a range of solutions that includes undistorted facts about Canadian pharmacy services. The tour is sponsored by CanadaWayDrugs (www.canadawaydrugs.com), a reputable pharmacy licensed in the province of British Columbia.

MacKay emphasizes that "we don't intend to present the Canadian option as opposition to Medicare but rather as a compliment to it. The needs of each patient are different but the golden rule is that when you are faced with paying for a drug entirely out-of-pocket, Canada is an ideal solution. Therefore, the overall wisest strategy may be to take advantage of both programs."

MacKay says he intends to address the concerns about the new Medicare coverage by demonstrating how savings from Canada can buffer seniors against the program's shortfalls and coverage gaps. "I have talked to thousands of seniors and caregivers and they are confused and dismayed. We plan to show them a balanced menu of solutions to help them make smart choices."

A helpful tool that automatically calculates Medicare drug expenses can be found on the AARP website at http://sites.stockpoint.com/AARP/drugbenefit.asp or soon at www.canadawaydrugs.com

If your group or organization would like to schedule a presentation by David MacKay please call CanadaWayDrugs toll free at 1-877-507-3061 or e-mail dave@canadawaydrugs.com.

www.CanadaWayDrugs.com is a licensed Canadian pharmacy located in Vancouver, British Columbia that has been servicing American patients safely for 5 years.

Media Contact:

David MacKay

Ph. (407) 276-7197

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