The website, managed by DestinationRX, started posting drug prices online April 29, allowing people to compare the new Medicare-approved discount drug cards and decide which offer the best prices. Craig Fuller, president of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, stated, “Some [prices] are too high. Some are too low.” He adds, “The site is ultimately going to be very valuable, but there are serious technical problems that need to be addressed.”

The Bush administration believes that the discount cards will save Medicare recipients money, but others have said that seniors can get similar prices through online pharmacies and do even better using Canadian pharmacies. Said Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., “A 10 or 20 percent discount doesn’t do much when drug prices increase 15 or 20 percent in a year.”

Enrollment begins this week and the cards, which cost up to $30, take effect in June. Approximately half of the 40 national and 32 regional cards were including in the initial listing of prescription drug prices. According to Medicare, the site should be updated and the same information as posted on the site can be obtained by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

References: “Medicare Drugs Web Site Has Inaccuracies,” Associated Press, April 30, 2004.