Drug Information Center Resource Center

Medicare Rx Benefits About this site: This government Web site is billed as the official site for people with Medicare, and it’s an extremely helpful resource for everything from billing questions to provider information. More recent features can help you find and research Medicare-approved drug discount cards. Overall, the site’s content is well-organized, making the vast amounts of information very accessible. Publications are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. (http://www.medicare.gov)   Pluses: The site is very user-friendly: There is a “printable version” link on every page, and the extensive (and searchable) Help section troubleshoots almost every conceivable glitch you could encounter.   Minuses: Boring design and graphics can make research tedious.   Best feature: With the site’s many search tools, you can determine your Medicare eligibility and coverage, find a participating physician, compare nursing homes in your area, even find Medicare-approved drug discount cards and compare the prices of your prescriptions.

Be MedWise About this site: This site is designed to give consumers information that will help them use over-the-counter (OTC) medications safely and effectively. Though the information is not abundant, it is concise and useful. (http://www.bemedwise.ca/english/index.html)   Pluses: The site includes a handy guide to reading medicine labels and offers convenient printouts patients can take along when they see a doctor or pharmacist.   Minuses: The site doesn't offer much specific information on OTCs' interactions with prescription drugs.   Best feature: Printable brochures and guidelines you can take to your doctor or pharmacist to help you ask the right questions.