States Eye Canadian Drug Imports Despite Delays, Tariffs (1)

State leaders are reviving talk of importing prescription drugs from Canada, even as US drugmakers and health-care attorneys warn that logistical obstacles and looming tariffs might prevent lower prices for patients at pharmacies.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced in her State of the State address in January that her office is exploring participation in the Food and Drug Administration’s pathway allowing states to import cheaper medicines from Canada.

Florida is the only state with an FDA-approved importation program. Six other states have enacted laws allowing them to set up importation plans, and legislation has been filed recently in New York, Illinois, and Mississippi to join that list.

Hochul has yet to release additional details on her office’s plans, but listed possible importation as part of her mission “to address the drug affordability crisis” in her state.

New York State Sen. James Skoufis (D), the sponsor of a bill (SB 371) to establish a wholesale prescription drug importation program there, said his team hadn’t spoken directly with Hochul’s office on his proposal, but “was thrilled to learn of the Governor’s support.”

“Increasing competition in our drug supply via importation could be monumental for lowering costs for common prescriptions” and “keeping more money in New Yorkers’ pockets,” Skoufis said in an email.