[sandiego6.com] It was less than 5 years ago that seniors had a great way to buy cheaper drugs. Stores opened up locally, selling access to Canadian pharmacies. Seniors saved up to 50% on drugs — until the FDA ordered the stores closed, citing safety.   The FDA said seniors were at risk but could not produce a single senior who had gotten ill from Canadian pharmaceuticals. 

Now the Obama White House is planning to reverse the policy, to let seniors make a choice where to buy their prescription drugs. Greg Knoll is a healthcare advocate. He supports the Obama proposal, saying he has seen what happens when seniors can’t afford prescriptions. 

“I saw seniors eat cat food in order to afford prescription drugs,” said Knoll.

Ken Johnson of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association says it’s a bad idea.

“We don’t think people should play Russian Roulette with their health,” argues Johnson. “We may never know how many people may have died from counterfeit medicines.” 

But Greg Knoll says Americans should be able to choose where to buy their drugs.  “Isn’t that the great American way? Supply and demand?” asked knoll. “It’s competition. It’s where you can get the best price for your dollar.”