New Hampshire Posts Canadian Drug Prices

September 28, 2004 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - New Hampshire residents can now get prescription drug pricing information for both US and Canadian pharmacies from the state's official Web site.

Since September 16, the site been providing comparisons of prescription drug costs by municipalities within New Hampshire and at two Canadian pharmacies approved by the state. Price information within the state is compiled by the Department of Health and Human Services from pharmacies that participate in the Medicaid program, said HHS Commissioner John Stephen.

Governor Craig Benson said the information is primarily for the 100,000 residents under age 65 who do not have prescription drug coverage and 180,000 seniors who will not be covered under Medicare until 2006.

“The skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs is a national problem,” said Benson , in a Web site statement. “To not look at Rx re-importation, as a common sense solution, would be irresponsible. My administration will take the necessary steps to provide affordable health care.”

Earlier this year, Benson endorsed a Manitoba company, CanadaDrugs.com, for participation in his initiative to help state residents obtain cheaper drugs and posted a link to the company on the state Web site (See New Hampshire Goes Live on Canadian Drug Link Web Site ). The new link includes a second Canadian pharmacy, K-telDrugMart.com, also of Manitoba.

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