What is The Canadian Medstore

The Canadian Medstore: An Option for Affordable Prescription Drugs

With rising prescription drug costs in the U.S., many Medicare beneficiaries are looking for more affordable options to manage their health. One of the most talked-about resources is The Canadian Medstore. What is the Canadian Medstore; a service that offers access to prescription medications from licensed international pharmacies, often at a significantly lower cost than U.S. retail prices.

But is it safe? Is it legal? And how can seniors take advantage of this option if their Medicare plan doesn’t cover certain drugs or the out-of-pocket costs are too high? Let’s break it down.

What Is The Canadian MedStore

The Canadian MedStore is a licensed prescription referral service that connects U.S. patients with international pharmacies and licensed Canadian sources. It provides a safe and cost-effective alternative for Americans facing high out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs.

While based in Canada, the service also works with accredited pharmacies in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, depending on medication availability and pricing.

Watch a quick YouTube video on the Canadian Medstore

How It Works

1. Individuals Supply: Name and date of birth, drug allergies, current medications.
2. Prescription Required: Like any legitimate pharmacy, a valid prescription from a U.S. doctor is required. Just upload, transfer, fax or email them.
3. Medication Match: The Medstore checks availability and pricing from international sources and fulfills the order through the most cost-effective and compliant channel.
4. Shipping to the U.S.: Medications are typically shipped directly to the patient’s home, with delivery times ranging from 2 to 4 weeks.

Is It Legal

Importing prescription drugs for personal use from outside the U.S. is technically not FDA-approved, but the FDA has long used enforcement discretion in cases involving personal importation of medications that:

• Are not controlled substances,
• Are for personal use (usually 90-day supply or less),
• Are not considered high-risk, and
• Are accompanied by a valid prescription.

This makes The Canadian MedStore a viable option for many seniors, especially for maintenance medications or drugs not covered on a Medicare Part D formulary.

Agents are you ready to join the Crowe team; click here for online contract

Who Uses It

• Medicare beneficiaries in the coverage gap or with expensive specialty drugs not covered by their plan.
• Patients with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or high cholesterol who need ongoing medications.
• Retirees on fixed incomes trying to stretch their healthcare dollars without compromising quality.

Cost Savings Example

A common brand-name cholesterol drug that costs $500/month in the U.S. might cost as little as $100/month through The Canadian MedStore without sacrificing authenticity or safety.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Substantial savings on brand-name medications
• Licensed pharmacists review each order
• Personalized support and prescription management
• Offers automatic refills and mail-order convenience

Cons:

• Not for acute, emergency, or temperature-sensitive medications
• Slower shipping times (2–4 weeks)
• Not all medications are available
• Medicare Part D does not reimburse for these purchases

Considerations for Medicare Beneficiaries

While using The Canadian MedStore can be a great option for those in the Medicare dealing with high costs or formulary exclusions, keep in mind:

• Medicare won’t count these purchases toward your True Out-of-Pocket (TrOOP) costs.
• Individuals cannot submit these drugs for reimbursement under Medicare Part D.
• You should consult with your physician and pharmacist to ensure that the drugs are the correct formulation and dosage.

For Medicare beneficiaries struggling with the cost of prescription medications, The Canadian MedStore can be a helpful lifeline. While not a substitute for comprehensive drug coverage, it can offer peace of mind and price relief for those who would otherwise go without their medications.

If you’re an agent, understanding how services like The Canadian MedStore work can help you better support clients who need alternatives beyond their plan’s coverage. This is another way to maintain your book of business. Always encourage clients to check with their doctor and review all options carefully. Agents; if you would like more information on this service, please contact our office at 203-796-5403. You can also call Pam DiGrigoli at 727-474-3832 and set up an account to offer this service to your clients.

Stay up to date on agent events and information