THE VILLAGES, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis wants to make it easier for Floridians to get prescription drugs from Canada, where they're generally cheaper.
- Governor wants to be able to import cheaper prescription drugs
- He says provision in 2003 legislation enables creation of program
- DeSantis: Program could save state millions in health care costs
In a news conference Wednesday in The Villages, the governor said the creation of a prescription drug importation program would help save health care costs.
The governor said a law passed by Congress in 2003, the Medicare Modernization Act, enables states to access prescription drugs that are FDA-approved from countries where the medication is less expensive, such as Canada. He also says the program could save the state budget tens of millions of dollars on prescription drugs for prisoners.
DeSantis said he discussed has the idea with President Donald Trump, who he said was in favor of the program.
The move was also spearheaded by Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva (R-Miami Lakes).
Last year, Vermont became the first state in the nation to enact a prescription-drug importation law.