Insured Americans, including those on Medicare, too often find that the brand name drugs they are prescribed are not covered by their plans. That population of underinsured Americans may increase under Obamacare. Fortunately, they will find that drug prices offered by international online pharmacies are often 87% lower than their local pharmacies. These prices seem too good to be true, so you might be asking how this is possible. It’s simple: governments in other countries negotiate with drug companies to keep drug prices affordable. Licensed pharmacies in those countries operate online and by mail-order to serve Americans seeking medications sold here at a much lower price. Here are the savings on popular drugs:
Prices for a 3-month supply of top-selling brand name medications*
| Drug | Local Pharmacy Price | International Online Pharmacy Price | International Online Savings | Annual Dollar Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abilify 10 mg+ | $2,582.97 | $331.20 | 87.18% | $9,007.08 |
| Advair Diskus 250-50 mcg | $1,061.97 | $108.00 | 89.83% | $3,815.88 |
| Celebrex 200 mg | $692.97 | $104.00 | 84.99% | $2,355.88 |
| Crestor 20 mg+ | $713.97 | $74.00 | 89.64% | $2,559.88 |
| Cymbalta 60 mg+ | $878.97 | $90.00 | 89.76% | $3,155.88 |
| Diovan 160 mg+ | $475.99 | $62.10 | 86.95% | $1,655.56 |
| Januvia 100 mg+ | $1,026.00 | $131.40+ | 87.19% | $3,578.40 |
| Namenda 10 mg++ | $1,049.97 | $210.60 | 79.94% | $3,357.48 |
| Nexium 40 mg+ | $878.97 | $67.50 | 92.32% | $3,245.88 |
| Spiriva Handihaler 18 mcg | $1,115.97 | $132.15 | 88.16% | $3,935.28 |
| Average | $1,047.78 | $131.10 | 87.60% | $3,666.72 |
*Sources: Local pharmacy — Rite Aid in New York City; International online pharmacies – lowest prices found on www.PharmacyChecker.com from verified websites. +price calculated from 84 pills. ++price calculated from 100 pills.
Obamacare will help tens of millions of Americans afford prescriptions at the local pharmacy next year, and even more so into the future. However, with 21% of insured Americans going without medication due to high drug prices, we’re proud to offer useful information to help people afford the medication they are prescribed to stay healthy, get better, and live longer.
