Prescription Drug Importation Opinion Editorial
submitted 06/15/04 to AARP state offices for state publications
Prescription drug prices in the United States have increased at nearly twice the inflation rate according to recent studies. This upward spiral in drug prices continues to cause financial hardship for many Americans. Importation of prescription drugs into this country is one way to help Americans save money on their medications.
This is why AARP is supporting S. 2328, a new bipartisan bill sponsored by Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and 22 cosponsors, that would legalize the safe importation of prescription drugs from other countries, beginning with Canada. Other Senators who have signed on to this bill include Ted Kennedy (D-MA), John McCain (R-AZ) and Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD).
Americans are already buying prescription drugs from Canada and other countries, so the question no longer is whether our nation should allow importation of prescription drugs from other countries. AARP believes we need to legalize this and make sure that a system is in place that guarantees safety.
The Dorgan-Snowe bill does this. It includes important safety standards that AARP advocates. It will strengthen the safety of America's drug supply from abroad and give FDA the authority and resources it needs to do the job.
Another important feature of the legislation is that it seeks to prevent the pharmaceutical industry from limiting supplies of drugs to countries and companies willing to export lower-cost pharmaceuticals to the U.S. It would do no good to legalize importation if the drug companies could just choke off the supply.
We believe this bill meets the challenges of designing a prescription drug importation program that protects the integrity of pharmaceuticals and provides a streamlined process that enables consumers to access lower cost prescription drugs. It also will help pressure pharmaceutical manufacturers to keep prices affordable. We will work aggressively for its passage this year.
Our members have consistently told us that they feel strongly about the spiraling prescription drug prices in this country. It's not the complete answer but it will put downward pressure on price and that's why AARP supports the Dorgan-Snowe bill.
AARP is continuing to attack this high drug cost problem on a variety of fronts. We recently published our first AARP Rx Watchdog Report that tracks the costs of prescription drugs used most by people 50+. We intend to keep a spotlight on industry pricing practices. We're also working to help people understand and sign up for the Medicare drug card, protect retiree health benefits and help state governments maintain their drug assistance programs.
written by Woody Goulart for AARP state offices