The Vermont Senate is considering a proposal to save money on prescription drugs by importing them from Canada, where many are sold for a fraction of the cost in the United States.
The proposal that was discussed Thursday during a meeting of the Senate Health and Welfare C Committee. Democratic and Progressive state Senator Tim Ashe said the cost of prescription drugs is a factor driving the increase in state health care costs and the state budget.
Two main sections of the proposal include drug importation and authorizing the state to buy prescription drugs in bulk, including working with other states to create buying pools.
Under the proposal, any imported drugs must meet all U.S. safety requirements.
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, a trade group for drugmakers, claimed in a statement that Vermont's proposal would allow sales from online Canadian pharmacies, which it said would threaten the health of Vermonters. But the proposed Vermont legislation does not mention online pharmacies.
The lawmakers involved in the Vermont proposal recognize enacting it into law will be difficult, but they're committed to trying.
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