Many seniors rely on purchasing more affordable medications from Canadian pharmacies, a practice that has become increasingly common. However, recent developments threaten to complicate this routine. But here’s where it gets controversial: changing policies and international trade restrictions are making it more difficult for Americans to access these cheaper options.
Take Linda Klonsky, a 75-year-old woman who regularly orders her prescription eye drops from a Canadian pharmacy. Typically, she spends about $250 for a supply that lasts her three months. That’s a significant saving compared to U.S. prices, which can be much higher. But this summer, her routine was abruptly interrupted. When it was time for her to reorder, her shipment was blocked due to a new trade directive issued by the Trump administration. This policy led dozens of international postal services to suspend shipments of medications and other goods to the United States.
Faced with no other choice, Linda visited her local CVS pharmacy in Silver Spring, Maryland. There, she paid $740 for just a 30-day supply of similar eye drops—almost nine times the amount she usually pays. This sharp increase highlights how recent policy changes are pushing some seniors into more expensive and less accessible medication options.
And this is the part most people miss—the ripple effects of international trade restrictions aren’t just about tariffs or politics; they directly impact vulnerable populations, like seniors, who depend heavily on affordable healthcare solutions. As policies evolve, many wonder whether these barriers will push more individuals into higher costs or if alternative solutions will emerge.
What are your thoughts? Should access to affordable medication be prioritized over trade restrictions, or do you see valid reasons for these new limitations? Feel free to share your opinions—this debate is far from over.
