TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Floridians could eventually gain access to cheaper Canadian prescription drugs under legislation passed by the state House, a top priority of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The GOP-led House voted 93-22 on Thursday for the measure, which if finalized creates a prescription drug importation program that would have to be approved by the federal government.
A similar bill is moving in the state Senate. The two versions must be reconciled into a final version.
U.S. consumers pay some of the highest prescription drug prices in the world, as much as 30% to 190% more than other western countries. Supporters say the bill would give Floridians a chance to enjoy some savings.
Opponents warn of risky counterfeit, contaminated, or ineffective drugs and that the program could prove costly to oversee and regulate.
