Prescription drug prices in the U.S. are incredibly high compared to many other countries, such as the U.K. and Canada. Patients whose drugs are cheaper outside the U.S. should be allowed to buy their drugs from there in order to keep their healthcare costs as low as possible. Reducing prescription drug costs for patients will save lives and reduce the cost of health care in the U.S. — both noble goals worth pursuing through federal policy.
Pharmaceutical companies need the revenue from their sales in the U.S. to fund innovative research that saves lives. Additionally, allowing personal importation from other countries might lead to unsafe or counterfeit medication entering the U.S., putting patients’ lives at risk. Finally, the FDA and HHS have already released a plan allowing states to develop pilot importation programs. All of this indicates that this bill isn’t necessary.