American Medicine Information Institute Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay a membership fee or buy a membership card?
No. Unlike other services, American Medicine Information Institute does NOT have any membership fees; administration fees; no sign up fees, and no confusing Drug Discount Medical Cards to attempt to choose from.
There is the cost of your prescription, and the cost of shipping - that is all.
For Group Plans, there is normally a co-pay which you are responsible for, which is based on either a flat rate fee or a flat rate percentage, depending on your Group Plan.
What are my savings?
On average, the savings provided to US citizens who choose to use American Medicine Information Institute and our pharmacy partners is between 40 to 60 percent savings, vice the cost of similar drugs purchased at Walgreen's, Wal-Mart, Costco or their local pharmacy. This depends on the drugs, and there are cases where certain drugs can be more expensive - which is why we provide a free online quote service for your convenience. Please note that prices do change without notice, based on market availability, and the price at the time of dispensing will be charged.
Why are prescription drugs so much cheaper in Canada?
There are a number of reasons why Canada's prescriptions drugs are less expensive than in the US:
a. The Canadian Government has established the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, which dictates to the pharmaceutical companies what they are permitted to sell their drugs for in Canada - essentially price controls - something the US Government has refused to do - the only industrialized nation in the world with no form of price controls;
b. The Canadian Generic Drug industry is ten times the size of the US because the Canadian Government does not permit the serialized patent protection that is rampant in the US - thereby creating a large, more competitive and affordable generic substitution option for US citizens - which provides even greater savings, if you choose this;
c. The United States and Canada currency exchange rates provide a price advantage; and
d. Labour and costs are paid in Canadian Dollars, while you pay in US Dollars. This allows for the provision of savings which are passed onto the consumer, rather than lining the pockets of our pharmacists.
The AARP released a report in July 2004 that noted that since President Bush signed his prescription drug bill, prescription drug costs have risen 7% in the US. This is assessed by American Medicine Information Institute to take account for the intended discounts to take effect in 2006 - which will essentially protect the Pharmaceutical industry and protect their profit margins. What is of importance is that during this same time frame, the Canadian Government released the annual report that indicated that prescription drug prices fell by 1% in cost in Canada.
Is American Medicine Information Institute a pharmacy?
No. American Medicine Information Institute is a Limited Liability company who has conducted due diligence on a number of pharmacies in Canada. By doing this due diligence, American Medicine Information Institute has confirmed that their pharmacy partners are legitimate, Canadian Government Licensed Pharmacies, owned and operated by Canadian Government registered pharmacists, who will only provide Health Canada (our version of the FDA) approved prescription drugs, to our clients. In addition, American Medicine Information Institute has selected Richmond Pharmacy, a member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, the self-regulating organization for the Internet Pharmacy Industry in Canada, to provide the prescription drugs to our clients.
How do we know the prescriptions are safe?
Our pharmacy partners only provides Health Canada approved prescription drugs for your orders. You can choose from either the brand name or generic drug, and you receive by mail, the same prescriptions that a Canadian citizen receives at their local drug store.
American Medicine Information Institute's long time pharmacy partner was Andy Troszok, owner of Global Health Management, of Calgary Alberta. Andy was a founding member and the President of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association. CIPA is the leading and self-regulating body of Internet Pharmacies in Canada.
Andy was the Canadian Pharmacist who negotiated with the Governor of the State of Minnesota, for the State to establish a website to assist their citizens to order prescriptions from Canada. He has made formal presentations to members of Congress, the Senate, the Governors Round Table, and the AARP, regarding the safety of Canadian Prescription Drugs.
Richmond Pharmacy has been issued a State of Nevada State Pharmacy License, one of only four Canadian Pharmacies to receive this level of accreditation. Thus, RP fully complies with both US and Canadian Pharmacy Regulations.
Is this Legal?
American Medicine Information Institute and Richmond Pharmacy operate strictly in accordance with Canadian Law.
The US FDA, while not endorsing the purchase of prescription drugs from Canada, does not stop the importation of personal use prescriptions as long as the drugs are delivered to the client's place of residence and that no more than a 90-day supply is provided.
In 2000, former President Clinton signed a bill that allows for imports from Canada. However, a poison pill provision (no pun intended) was that the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, would be required to certify the safety of the Canadian Drug System. This has been refused to date, due to intense political lobbying on the part of the pharmaceutical industry - who wishes to protect their profits at the cost of the citizens of the US. Both the House and Senate have bills in progress which support the importation of prescription drugs from Canada. On July 23, 2003, 66 US Senators voted in favour of importing drugs from Canada - they have no concerns regarding the safety of Canadian Drugs, provided they are Health Canada approved drugs - which is what our pharmacy partner provides.
The General Accounting Office, the GAO, a department of the US Federal Government released a report in July 2004, which acknowledges the safety of the Canadian Drug Supply Chain - and noted that in some cases, the Canadian system was more effective in comparison to the US System. This report is available on line at In the News, on this website.
The Senate in July 2006 voted 68-32 to approve an amendment to the Homeland Security appropriations bill sponsored by Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) that would prohibit seizures by U.S. Customs and Border Protection of prescription drugs purchased from Canadian pharmacies by U.S. residents. The House has approved two appropriations bills -- Homeland Security and Agriculture -- that include provisions to allow the purchase of prescription drugs from other nations. The provision included in the House Homeland Security appropriations bill would allow the purchase of prescription drugs from any nation ( Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 9/21). Under the agreement, the final Homeland Security appropriations bill would include a provision under which U.S. residents could personally transport as much as a 90-day supply of prescription drugs from Canadian pharmacies.
Who am I a client of?
You create a relationship directly with Richmond Pharmacy, our Pharmacy Partner.
At no time is your private and confidential information of a US citizen provided to American Medicine Information Institute. Richmond Pharmacy conforms and meets the privacy requirements under HIPPA.
A citizen, by using these services, is exercising their right of consumer choice. Anyone receiving this information from American Medicine Information Institute is receiving information as to how to form a relationship, with Richmond Pharmacy, if they wish.
How do I pay for my Prescriptions?
Richmond Pharmacy provides three methods of payments and billing is by them:
a. Visa
b. MasterCard
c. US Money Order
Can I order online?
No. Due to the requirement to have your signature on the client release forms you need to fill out the client information package, by first printing it - or by filling out the information forms that a American Medicine Information Institute Sales Associate has provided you.
You may however, fill out a client information form online - but you still need to fax your release forms, and prescription to the toll free fax number.
Do I need to fill out the forms each time I wish to order?
No. Once the initial forms are filled out, you do not need to continue to redo the forms.
Do I need a prescription to order?
Yes. Only a valid prescription from a US doctor is permitted to be filled.
Can you fill any order?
No. Certain classes of drugs, such as Valium and opiates and ones that are temperature sensitive will not be filled, as they are controlled substances. The drug database provides information as to which prescriptions are available, and also the prices.
Are all drugs cheaper in Canada?
No. In some cases, our prescriptions can be more expensive, on a case-by-case basis. This is why a drug database, that you can search by entering the drug name, is provided on the website. We believe in a fully informed consumer, and we highly recommend that you check prices before ordering - to ensure that you are not ordering a drug that may, in fact, be cheaper to purchase locally.
How is my order delivered?
From Canada Post, to the US Postal service, to your door.
How long is shipping time?
Approximately 7 to 10 business days.
How do I get my prescriptions refilled?
Our Call center will contact you approximately 3 weeks prior to your prescription running out. They have all your information on file - they will confirm that you wish your order to be re-filled by Richmond Pharmacy, and if this is the case, then the order will arrive in time, so that you do not have an interruption.
If there is a problem, can I return my prescription?
We back every order with our 100% No-Hassle Returns Policy. Upon receiving your medications, if you would like to return any or all of your items, we will refund you 100% for the amount returned - we'll even pay for your return shipping (up to $9.95). Contact us within 90 days from the day your order is shipped to request credit for the portion you would like to return. This is part of our No-Risk Guarantee that gives you peace of mind that not only are you saving on your prescription drug bill, but that we back up every order and if you're ever unhappy, we'll refund your money.
What do I do if there is a problem?
Contact Richmond Pharmacy, who will inform American Medicine Information Institute, and a review of the issue will be conducted in order to find a satisfactory solution for all parties.
I received information from a US citizen, regarding American Medicine Information Institute - are they working with you?
American Medicine Information Institute works with a number of US citizens who provide information regarding our services and who are Associates. If you wish to confirm that a person is working with American Medicine Information Institute, do not hesitate to confirm this.
I want to speak with a pharmacist and have a consultation - is this possible?
Yes. Call the toll free phone number for Richmond Pharmacy, who provide this service free of charge. Do not call American Medicine Information Institute for any personal medical issues, as we are unqualified to provide this information.
How do I get started?
Print off the client information forms from the website - or fill out the information package you received from your Group Plan Representative and follow the instructions contained in the Client Information Package.
I have many friends and family who I can introduce this service to - can they order from you?
Yes. American Medicine Information Institute is always happy to work with satisfied clients who wish to share this savings opportunity with their friends. However, the family member who is not covered is responsible to make the complete payment for their prescriptions – but they do access the same savings opportunity as a Group Member.
I belong to a not for profit association or charity - do you provide any support to this type of organization?
Yes. Contact Mr Bill Kistner, American Medicine Information Institute to examine this in greater detail – see the contact page.
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