A survey conducted by the Canadian International Pharmacy Association explores reasons behind Americans continuing to utilize online licensed Canadian pharmacies when ordering prescription medications. Nearly 2,700 Americans participated in the study with 64 percent say they purchase maintenance medications from pharmacy options outside the United States due to prescription fill costs.
Nearly 22 percent who participated claimed their insurance coverage didn’t cover some medications. On average for regular prescription medication orders Americans are spending roughly $250 per month with Canadian pharmacies.
Research has shown this option has helped thousands of Americans avoid suffering severe health concerns. Those who participated in the study attributed the following 3 reasons why they import prescription medicines from Canada:
- Unable to afford prescription fill costs (lack of funds). About 11 percent say they could not purchase any prescription medicine at all if acquired from a U.S pharmacy.
- Prescriptions not covered in their insurance plan. About 32 percent say their healthcare coverage doesn’t cover all of their medications.
- Dramatic rise in medication costs. Roughly 57 percent of respondents claim they are responsible for paying their health insurance. They also pay all of their medication costs.
Maintenance medications offered in Canada are cheaper. Customers have reported saving roughly 50 percent or almost $250 on a 90-day supply from Canadian pharmacies. Having an affordable alternative such as this has helped reduce risk factors previous studies have researched. This includes issues of patients skipping doses, abruptly stopping medication use and even putting personal health at higher risk.
Seniors on Medicare include growing number of patients who utilize online Canadian pharmacies for maintenance prescription fills. Most respondents who participated in the study are aged 55 and older. Strategies such as lower-cost medication options, skipping doses, taking less medication, delaying prescription refills and not taking medicine as prescribed are risks many face due to lack of proper health care coverage. Many without insurance coverage were more likely to ask about lower-cost alternatives than those with private healthcare coverage or Medicaid.
National Health Interview data published in 2013 showed common ways American’s sought to cut drug costs. Close to 20% of adults aged 18-64 and roughly 20.3% of seniors 65 and older say they discussed lower-cost medication options. Almost 13% of adults 18-64 admit they did not take prescription medicine as prescribed. Nearly 6 percent of adults 65 and older admitted to the same action.
CIPA offers American medical patients with pharmaceutical and maintenance medication options (excludes controlled substances) through 90-day supply options with valid prescription information.
