RI could soon start importing prescription drugs from Canada

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island could become one of only a handful of states to start purchasing wholesale prescription drugs from Canada to try and save money.

Florida was the first state to receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration back in January. Gov. Ron DeSantis estimated the program, which applies to that state’s Medicaid recipients, could save the state $183 million in its first year.

The Rhode Island bill, sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Louis DiPalma, would allow Rhode Island to go directly to wholesale prescription drug manufacturers in Canada to buy prescription drugs at a reduced price.

A 2021 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office estimated that U.S. retail prescription prices were at least two to four times higher than prices in Australia, Canada and France.

“The fact that identical drugs are so much cheaper across the border in Canada is a clear demonstration of the dysfunction in our healthcare system,” DiPalma wrote in a statement Tuesday. “But until extensive and much-needed reform takes place, this legislation should ease the costs on many Rhode Islanders so they don’t have to make these heartbreaking choices every month.”

Meanwhile, government officials in Canada are strongly advising states against the practice.

In response to Florida’s approval from the FDA in January, Health Canada warned that the “bulk importation” of wholesale prescription drugs would not fix the United States’ high drug prices.

“Regulations have been implemented under the Food and Drugs Act to prohibit certain drugs intended for the Canadian market from being sold for consumption outside of Canada if that sale could cause, or worsen, a drug shortage in Canada,” a spokesperson wrote.

The bill passed the Rhode Island Senate on Tuesday. It will now head to the House, where similar legislation has been proposed.

Kate Wilkinson (kwilkinson@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

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