NEW YORK, NY January 24, 2006 —When the new Medicare drug benefit took effect three weeks ago, getting medication for many people slowed to a crawl -- whether they were on Medicare or not. Pharmacists spent so much time on the phone with the government and private drug plans that they filled prescriptions about 70 percent more slowly than normal, according to one New York state trade group.

Things have been running more smoothly, recently. And last week, the state's pharmacists were only about 10 percent off their usual pace. Still, how easily you get your medication can vary a lot, depending on where you get it and what clientele the store serves. WNYC's Fred Mogul visited three pharmacies around the city.