Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill to create a program to import prescription drugs from Canada and another program that would authorize importation from other countries as well, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Due to the 2003 Medicare Modernization Act, the international drug importation plan requires federal approval. No state has gained authority to import prescription drugs since the 2003 law passed. Vermont is also waiting for federal approval on a similar plan, according to the report.
Mr. DeSantis expects the state to seek approval for the plan next year and said he believes the programs have a good chance of gaining approval. However, HHS Secretary Alex Azar has called Canadian drug importation a "gimmick," according to the report.
Mr. Azar is a former pharmaceutical executive. He spent 10 years at Eli Lilly, five of which he was president of the U.S. division.
Read the full story here.
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