Pilot progrm for drug reimportation?

[eridani]

http://onthehillblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/healthcare-reform-is-finished-but.html

Meanwhile, Dorgan is taking a different approach to continuing his fight to lower the drug costs that Americans face.

Dorgan announced a proposal in April for a new prescription drug importation plan with Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D). They are requesting that Sebelius approve a pilot project allowing North Dakota and Montana residents to import lower-priced prescription drugs from Canada, which would allow citizens in those border states to purchase of medication from Canadian pharmacies. Dorgan and Schweitzer say their plan could lower prescription drug costs for consumers by as much as 35 to 50 percent.

Residents of Montana and North Dakota filled more than 18 million prescriptions in 2008, spending more than $1 billion, Dorgan says on his Senate website. Allowing residents of the two states to access lower-priced medication from Canada could save as much as $400 million per year, he adds.

Dorgan and Schweitzer point to authority in existing law that would allow Sebelius to develop a such a pilot program to lead the way for safe drug importation for the entire nation.