Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced a new feature on the state web site, RxPrice Compare, that provides consumers with clear, unbiased price information on about 200 of the most commonly prescribed medications and allows users to search www.minnesotarxconnect.com for pharmacies by location.

Pawlenty said, "This latest tool puts more information directly in the hands of consumers so they can compare prices the way they do for other products. It's one more way that individuals can take charge of their healthcare decisions."

Users will be able to see prices at different pharmacies and between brand-name and generic medications. Users can sort results by price, pharmacy, city and zip code, and get directions to various pharmacies. Price comparisons from pharmacies in cities bordering Minnesota are also available.

Prices listed are those paid by consumers without insurance. Information is taken from claims submitted to the Department of Human Services by pharmacies enrolled as fee-for-service providers for state health car providers.

A second phase of this project will allow pharmacies that are not enrolled to submit price information and will let enrolled providers update their information directly. At present there are about a 1,000 pharmacies involved.

The state web site also provides a link to an outreach program launched last month by The Minnesota Senior Federation in conjunction with the Consumers Union, Minnesota Medical Association, Minnesota Pharmacy Association and Minnesota Association of Health Plans that provides free information about effectiveness, safety and costs of medicines and identifies "Best Buys." This is a public education project of Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, intended to help consumers talk with their doctors or health care providers about which medicines can give the most value for their health care dollars. For information, go to www.mnseniors.org.