Are you experiencing the "donut hole blues" of Medicare part D? Even if you haven't reached the $2,250 in prescription drug expenses yet, an estimated 27 percent of people with non-subsidized Part D plans will find themselves in the donut hole by the end of the year. If you are not in the donut hole now, it could sneak up quicker than you think. Remember: deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance charges paid to pharmacies as well as the amount your plan pays for drugs all count toward the $2,250 in drug expenses. Whether you are already in the donut hole or are approaching it, here are steps and programs you can utilize to save on prescription drug costs. 
1. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about less expensive, high-quality drugs that may be substituted for your current drugs, including generics. Generic drugs are chemically and medically equivalent to their brand-name counterparts - the only difference being the name and price.
2. Depending on what your doctor says, consider splitting double-dose pills or ordering a larger size tube or bottle to save money.
3. Get valid, trusted information about the cost of prescription drugs by using Consumer Union's Best Buy Drugs. Consumer Reports magazine is now rating prescription drugs based on effectiveness, safety and affordability. The Senior Federation has partnered with Consumer's Union to provide this information about recommended Best Buy drugs in each class of drugs, so that you won't need to rely on TV commercials for your drug information.
4. Join the Senior Federation to save money with the Federation's prescription drug discount programs: MedSave, Extended Care Pharmacy and Canadian Pharmacy Service. There is considerable money-saving potential with these programs. You don't have to live in Minnesota for these programs (see chart for price comparisons of four popular drugs).
5. Finally, anyone, any age, may save money on prescription drugs from our frequent bus trips to Canada.
6. Use your drug plan's mail order option if it has a 90-day supply for the same price as a 60- or 30-day supply.
7. Use patient assistance programs from drug manufacturers to get free or discounted medications for those who qualify. Call Rx Connect at the Senior LinkAge Line, 800/333-2433, and have a list of your prescriptions ready.
It's important to mention, however, that any drug obtained outside the United States or directly from a drug company does not count toward your out-of-pocket Part D costs. 
One final thought: if you're unhappy with your current Medicare Part D plan, you can change plans from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, 2006.
Call the Senior Federation Health Plan Information Center for more information, 651/783-5045, or toll-free 866/783-5045.

Sample drug comparisons
Twin Cities vs. MnSF Canadian importers

*Prices quoted ty T.C. provider 07-25-06 (source available upon request).
**Price is the cheapest of two MnSF importation providers. Contact MnSF for a current price quote. Shipping charges (typically $10) not included in price.