As elsewhere, many New England seniors have difficulty obtaining affordable prescription drugs. Rapidly increasing prescription drug costs create serious health problems for them. While national policy reform advances slowly, there is ample opportunity for collaborative, grassroots organizations to move first in addressing the problem. During the last two years, the United Health Alliance in Vermont has developed "Canada Rx Assist", a coalition of Vermont health systems administrators, physicians, state and national elected officials, pharmacists and seniors. Working with a Canadian pharmacy, Canada Rx Assist imports prescription drugs by mail, and distributes them at lower Canadian prices to senior patients. Since by importation UHA physicians are simply facilitating access via mail for individual patients, and Canada Rx Assist does not charge for this service, the Food and Drug Administration has not attempted to prosecute or hinder these activities. Members of Canada Rx Assist have also worked at the national level to support implementation of the Medicine Equity and Drug Safety Act of 2000, which would formally legalize the controlled importation of pharmaceuticals from selected countries. Under the battle cry of "Silver for Seniors", coalition members have publicized their cause through regional and national media outlets. They have also actively supported Vermont Governor Howard Dean's proposal to establish a larger, three state (Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire) drug importation program for the region's senior citizens. The ongoing activity of Canada Rx Assist shows the potential for community-based coalitions to establish bold health initiatives in advance of national policy efforts.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant should be able to: 1. Appreciate the growing problem of costly prescription drugs for seniors,and the adverse health implications. 2. Understand how the United Health Alliance formed a grassroots coalition to address the problem of costly prescription drugs through importation. 3. Note the challenges of devising innovative programs before a national legal framework has been developed. 4. Consider the importance of media outreach in advancing innovative health programs. 5. Understand how the United Health Alliance is also working at the national level to help advance supportive federal legislation.
Keywords: Health Activism, Coalition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.