Florida hopes to begin importing prescriptions in 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) - State leaders are “cautiously optimistic” they will begin saving money by importing prescription medication from Canada in the new year. The Agency for Health Care Administration expects the federal government to sign off on the states’ Canadian Drug Importation program in a couple of weeks.

Florida was the first state to ask the Food and Drug Administration to approve a drug importation program in 2020. That’s because prescriptions are significantly cheaper in Canada than in the U.S.

However, pharmaceutical companies are trying to stop the program. In September, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America sent a letter to the FDA asking it to deny Florida’s application. The group claims the state has left many questions unanswered. AHCA Secretary Jason Weida told a House committee last week the state’s plan follows federal guidelines.