Prescription drug prices in the United States are significantly higher than in Canada and other countries, many of which have price controls. Many older Americans travel to Canada, or order their medicine online from Canadian pharmacies, in order to save 50% or more on necessary drugs. Drug manufacturers have taken action, including threats to stop selling their products to these pharmacies, to stop Americans from receiving these lower drug prices.

It is claimed by the drug companies and Food and Drug Administration regulators that there is danger to consumers in using drugs from Canada but there is much scepticism as to how much actual risk is involved. Both houses of Congress have passed legislation to permit imports, but the Bush Administation and the FDA are opposed. However the expected Medicare reforms expected to pass include prescription drug coverage under Medicare and there is some interest in Congress in permitting imports under FDA regulation [1]

The drug companies say they need high prices in the US in order to raise enough money to continue drug research; critics argue that there is no reason for American consumers to subsidize drug prices in other first-world nations. Prescription drug prices, in particular as part of Medicare, are a political issue in the United States.

The large pharmaceutical companies maintain a website at helpingpatients.org in order to provide drugs at a reduced rate to needy consumers.