Guest guest Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 Barbara The State of Minnesota has an interesting website and connections with Canadian Pharmacies they have approved. Here is their link: http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?id=-536885395 & agency=Rx I personally use canadapharmacyonline.com as their pricing on neksium (nexium from India) is quite good. There are a couple of certifications you might look for such as CIPA and Pharmacychecker.com. I know its a difficult decision but for me getting Nexium in this manner has saved me approximately $2800 this year. Even without the Nexium I still hit the doughnut hole. If I was hitting the doughnut hole in February like some here then I'd go on and use the normal methods for all my meds as I'd go through the hole and to 5%. However, Nexium for me this year would have added lots of expenditure in the hole while not quiet enough to get me back out of it. Hopefully, if that part of the proposed changes passes, we'll find ourselves only paying 50% of the costs while in the doughnut hole. Here is a good page of information regarding online pharmacies. http://www.pharmacychecker.com/aboutop.asp Note that you will not be able to order any controlled substances which includes many anti-anxiety meds and sleep meds. > > My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with? I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer. > > Thanks, > B > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 Barbara Pharmacy Checker also has a section to check and compare prices. http://www.pharmacychecker.com/ListingAlpha.asp?Char=B Note that they do include Costco and CVS. For those with a Costco near, their pricing is often worth checking. > > My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with? I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer. > > Thanks, > B > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 Barbara...no, I cannot recommend a Canadian pharmacy but I sure empathize with you about the donut hole. I fell threw that blasted hole last year and just about depleted our savings! I sure hope it doesn't happen again this year. MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR.Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Canadian Pharmacies My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with? I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer.Thanks,B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 Must be when I asked about Canadian Pharmacies last year I didn't say it right , I got no replys at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 I don't understand the donut hole. I have United Health through AARPfor my supplement and never have to pay anything other that my $ 155. monthly.. wellI guess that adds up too but I don't have to mess around. Love & Prayers, Peggy Florida, IPF/UIP 2004"I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet, when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly." Barbara...no, I cannot recommend a Canadian pharmacy but I sure empathize with you about the donut hole. I fell threw that blasted hole last year and just about depleted our savings! I sure hope it doesn't happen again this year. MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR.Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Canadian Pharmacies My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with? I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer.Thanks,B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 Peggy The doughnut hole pertains to medications. After the total amount spent for drugs by both your insurance and you tops $2700 then you have to pay out of pocket until you've paid a total out of pocket for the year of $4350.25. You aren't taking many meds but one expensive brand name drug will push one beyond the $2700. For instance, my Nexium is over $300 per month so if I took no other drugs at all I'd be there by September. Tracleer will take you into the doughnut hole in just barely over one month. Revatio will take you there in three months. Many of us take expensive drugs for which there is no generic. Even my generics are expensive and lead toward the doughnut hole quickly. > > > Barbara...no, I cannot recommend a Canadian pharmacy but I sure > empathize with you about the donut hole. I fell threw that blasted > hole last year and just about depleted our savings! I sure hope it > doesn't happen again this year. > MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR. > Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! > Canadian Pharmacies > > > My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to > wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can > anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with? > I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer. > > Thanks, > B > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2009 Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 Thanks, Bruce. I will look into the sites you suggested. Saving money would be wonderful. B Barbara McD PF--Sept 08; Sjogren's--Apr 09; Reynaud's--seems like forever Beautiful Western NC Attitude is everything. To: Breathe-Support Sent: Wed, October 21, 2009 2:46:23 PMSubject: Re: Canadian Pharmacies BarbaraThe State of Minnesota has an interesting website and connections withCanadian Pharmacies they have approved. Here is their link:http://www.state. mn.us/portal/ mn/jsp/content. do?id=-536885395 & agency=RxI personally use canadapharmacyonlin e.com as their pricing on neksium(nexium from India) is quite good. There are a couple of certificationsyou might look for such as CIPA and Pharmacychecker. com.I know its a difficult decision but for me getting Nexium in this mannerhas saved me approximately $2800 this year. Even without the Nexium Istill hit the doughnut hole. If I was hitting the doughnut hole inFebruary like some here then I'd go on and use the normal methods forall my meds as I'd go through the hole and to 5%. However, Nexium for methis year would have added lots of expenditure in the hole while notquiet enough to get me back out of it. Hopefully, if that part of theproposed changes passes, we'll find ourselves only paying 50% of thecosts while in the doughnut hole.Here is a good page of information regarding online pharmacies.http://www.pharmacychecker.com/aboutop.aspNote that you will not be able to order any controlled substances whichincludes many anti-anxiety meds and sleep meds.>> My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to wonderingabout using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can anyonerecommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with? I wouldappreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer.>> Thanks,> B> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 22, 2009 Report Share Posted October 22, 2009 Pink... "What" did you look into?? These programs are federal so clue me in. I'm getting close to donut-hole already. Like I just wrote to Pravin, makes me almost hate donuts! Almost. hehe MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR.Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! Canadian Pharmacies>>> My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to> wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can> anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with?> I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer.>> Thanks,> B> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 23, 2009 Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 I, too, am on cellcept and get at no cost through Roche. ken o. To: Breathe-Support Sent: Thu, October 22, 2009 3:30:17 PMSubject: Re: Re: Canadian Pharmacies Hi Pink, i am on Cellcept too. About two months ago we were told that the insurance would not pay for my meds for the rest of the year. We aplied for the Roche patient Assistance program, the whole process took like a month and now i am receiving Cellcept at no cost. Check on the Roche website, check the patient assistance program. From: Bruce <brucemoreland@ gmail.com>Subject: Re: Canadian PharmaciesTo: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. comDate: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 8:53 PM PeggyThe doughnut hole pertains to medications. After the total amount spentfor drugs by both your insurance and you tops $2700 then you have to payout of pocket until you've paid a total out of pocket for the year of$4350.25. You aren't taking many meds but one expensive brand name drugwill push one beyond the $2700. For instance, my Nexium is over $300 permonth so if I took no other drugs at all I'd be there by September.Tracleer will take you into the doughnut hole in just barely over onemonth. Revatio will take you there in three months. Many of us takeexpensive drugs for which there is no generic. Even my generics areexpensive and lead toward the doughnut hole quickly.>>> Barbara...no, I cannot recommend a Canadian pharmacy but I sure> empathize with you about the donut hole. I fell threw that blasted> hole last year and just about depleted our savings! I sure hope it> doesn't happen again this year.> MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR.> Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!> Canadian Pharmacies>>> My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to> wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can> anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with?> I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer.>> Thanks,> B> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 23, 2009 Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 But did you actually call them? At first we thought i didn't qualify for the program, but I applied for it anyway, I was surprise when they called me and told me they would send me my meds for free! From: Bruce <brucemoreland@ gmail.com>Subject: Re: Canadian PharmaciesTo: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. comDate: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 8:53 PM PeggyThe doughnut hole pertains to medications. After the total amount spentfor drugs by both your insurance and you tops $2700 then you have to payout of pocket until you've paid a total out of pocket for the year of$4350.25. You aren't taking many meds but one expensive brand name drugwill push one beyond the $2700. For instance, my Nexium is over $300 permonth so if I took no other drugs at all I'd be there by September.Tracleer will take you into the doughnut hole in just barely over onemonth. Revatio will take you there in three months. Many of us takeexpensive drugs for which there is no generic. Even my generics areexpensive and lead toward the doughnut hole quickly.>>> Barbara...no, I cannot recommend a Canadian pharmacy but I sure> empathize with you about the donut hole. I fell threw that blasted> hole last year and just about depleted our savings! I sure hope it> doesn't happen again this year.> MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR.> Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!> Canadian Pharmacies>>> My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to> wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can> anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with?> I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer.>> Thanks,> B> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 I'm wondering if you all are deducting your prescriptions, insurance, etc. on your U.S. taxes. I deducted almost $11,000 in medical bills on last year's income tax return & ended up getting a refund of all the federal taxes I paid thru work. It's not all deductible though. They only let us deduct the amount we spend that's over 2% of our income (I think that's the figure). And I'm not 100% sure, but I think prescriptions purchased outside the country can't be deducted. I filed my taxes late w/TurboTax, so it hasn't been that long since I read it, but I don't always trust my memory these days. Don't know if this helps anyone with the " donut hole, " since I'm not on Medicare & don't really understand it. But I was curious since no one mentioned it. Cees, S Calif PF 10/08 > > > > > > Barbara...no, I cannot recommend a Canadian pharmacy but I sure > > empathize with you about the donut hole. I fell threw that blasted > > hole last year and just about depleted our savings! I sure hope it > > doesn't happen again this year. > > MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR. > > Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! > > Canadian Pharmacies > > > > > > My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to > > wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can > > anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with? > > I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer. > > > > Thanks, > > B > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 CeesOh yes, deducting on an average around $15000 per year in medical expenses the past two years. For most here who are unable to work the deduction means little. For others that amount may mean up to $3000 or so in tax savings. Joyce and I have reminded people at other times here of often overlooked deductions such as the electricity for operating your concentrator and the mileage for trips to the doctor. Everyone who pays taxes should go down the list of medical deductions very carefully as there are many that are overlooked. As to the prescriptions brought outside the US, that could become a major point of conflict. The IRS says they are not deductible. Here is their basic guideline:Drugs from other countries: In general, you cannot include the cost of a prescribed drug brought in (or ordered and shipped) from another country, unless the FDA agrees that the particular drug can be legally imported by individuals. Approval is on a case-by-case basis. Your doctor can request approval by calling the FDA at . Ask for a Drug Information Specialist. He or she will direct your doctor to the project manager or review division for the particular situation.You can include the cost of a prescribed drug you purchase and consume in another country if the drug is legal both in the other country and in the U.S.The basis is that it is technically illegal per the FDA to bring them in the country and you can't deduct illegal payments as a general rule of tax law. However, as the FDA has chosen to exercise discretion FDA staff can choose not to stop shipments that might violate federal law, under these circumstances: 1) the intended use is appropriately identified, is not for the purpose of a serious condition, and the product is not considered dangerous; -- OR -- 2) the medication is for a serious condition and is not available in the United States; the medication is not promoted to U.S. residents; the FDA does not consider the medication to pose an unreasonable risk; and the person buying the medication verifies that the medication is for personal use, and provides the name and address of his or her U.S. doctor or can show that the medication is necessary to continue treatment.Therefore, arguments versus the tax regulation could be made. Regardless my specific situation is such that even losing the tax deduction would simply change my savings per year from $2500 to $1800 and thats on only one medication. As to tax issues, I would advise anyone with such to speak to their own tax accountant. What will help potentially with the doughnut hole is the pending legislation that would reduce the cost during the hole to 50% (although 50% of what may still be in question as to whether full retail or negotiated insurer rate). But if that were to go into effect then my savings by purchasing Nexium/Neksium offshort would be reduced to $900 versus $2500. It's all something each person needs to look at only as it applies to themselves. For instance, if I was prescribed Revatio or Tracleer with their monthly cost, then I would not save money by purchasing Nexium offshore but would cost of those meds would push me through the doughnut hole quickly and so I'd actually be reducing the meds purchased at 5%. So in that case purchasing offshore would end up costing me around $700 per year rather than saving me money.> > >> > >> > > Barbara...no, I cannot recommend a Canadian pharmacy but I sure> > > empathize with you about the donut hole. I fell threw that blasted> > > hole last year and just about depleted our savings! I sure hope it> > > doesn't happen again this year.> > > MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR.> > > Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!> > > Canadian Pharmacies> > >> > >> > > My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to> > > wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can> > > anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with?> > > I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer.> > >> > > Thanks,> > > B> > >> >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 Hi Cees,I have for the past 3 years deducted meds, insurance, and such on my taxes. Â Since going on disability this year, I'm not sure what I'll find when I do the taxes this year. Â It sure is a huge shock when you see it totaled at the end of the year isn't it?Roxanne, 59, South Carolina 2006 Asthma/ PF 2008 PF/ Sarcoidosis/Gerd I pray you enough.....Subject: Re: Canadian PharmaciesTo: Breathe-Support Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009, 2:12 AM Â I'm wondering if you all are deducting your prescriptions, insurance, etc. on your U.S. taxes. I deducted almost $11,000 in medical bills on last year's income tax return & ended up getting a refund of all the federal taxes I paid thru work. It's not all deductible though. They only let us deduct the amount we spend that's over 2% of our income (I think that's the figure). And I'm not 100% sure, but I think prescriptions purchased outside the country can't be deducted. I filed my taxes late w/TurboTax, so it hasn't been that long since I read it, but I don't always trust my memory these days. Don't know if this helps anyone with the "donut hole," since I'm not on Medicare & don't really understand it. But I was curious since no one mentioned it. Cees, S Calif PF 10/08 > > > > > > Barbara...no, I cannot recommend a Canadian pharmacy but I sure > > empathize with you about the donut hole. I fell threw that blasted > > hole last year and just about depleted our savings! I sure hope it > > doesn't happen again this year. > > MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR. > > Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! > > Canadian Pharmacies > > > > > > My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to > > wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can > > anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with? > > I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer. > > > > Thanks, > > B > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 WOW! Don'tcha just LOVE bureaucracies? Cees > > > > > > > > > > > > Barbara...no, I cannot recommend a Canadian pharmacy but I sure > > > > empathize with you about the donut hole. I fell threw that blasted > > > > hole last year and just about depleted our savings! I sure hope it > > > > doesn't happen again this year. > > > > MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR. > > > > Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there! > > > > Canadian Pharmacies > > > > > > > > > > > > My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to > > > > wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. > Can > > > > anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy > with? > > > > I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you > prefer. > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > B > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2009 Report Share Posted October 24, 2009 i called them, got the paperwork, there were 2 drug companies, one for cellcept and one for Mepron; according to instructions, i did not qualify Pink Joyce R (IPF 3/06) IFA 5/09 Pennsylvania Donate Life Listed 1/09 Inactive 4/09 www.transplantfund.org--- Subject: Re: Re: Canadian PharmaciesTo: Breathe-Support Date: Friday, October 23, 2009, 6:41 PM But did you actually call them? At first we thought i didn't qualify for the program, but I applied for it anyway, I was surprise when they called me and told me they would send me my meds for free! From: Bruce <brucemoreland@ gmail.com>Subject: Re: Canadian PharmaciesTo: Breathe-Support@ yahoogroups. comDate: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 8:53 PM PeggyThe doughnut hole pertains to medications. After the total amount spentfor drugs by both your insurance and you tops $2700 then you have to payout of pocket until you've paid a total out of pocket for the year of$4350.25. You aren't taking many meds but one expensive brand name drugwill push one beyond the $2700. For instance, my Nexium is over $300 permonth so if I took no other drugs at all I'd be there by September.Tracleer will take you into the doughnut hole in just barely over onemonth. Revatio will take you there in three months. Many of us takeexpensive drugs for which there is no generic. Even my generics areexpensive and lead toward the doughnut hole quickly.>>> Barbara...no, I cannot recommend a Canadian pharmacy but I sure> empathize with you about the donut hole. I fell threw that blasted> hole last year and just about depleted our savings! I sure hope it> doesn't happen again this year.> MamaSher; 71, IPF 3-2006, OR.> Don't fret about tomorrow, God is already there!> Canadian Pharmacies>>> My husband has hit the dreaded donut hole, which leads me to> wondering about using a Canadian Pharmacy for some of his meds. Can> anyone recommend an online pharmacy that they use and are happy with?> I would appreciate any info. You can email me directly if you prefer.>> Thanks,> B> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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