United States

Vermont Committee Supports Canadian Prescription Drug Plan

A Vermont Senate committee is supporting legislation that would allow the state to purchase prescription drugs from Canada, saving residents millions.

Vermont Public Radio reports the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare voted unanimously to approve the measure. Under the proposal, the state would act as a wholesaler and purchase prescription drugs at lower Canadian prices before they're distributed. The plan is possible through the Affordable Care Act.

Committee chairwoman Sen. Claire Ayer says Canadian drugs are as much as a third of the price of American prescriptions.

Opponents of the bill claim Canadian drugs aren't safe. Ayer says the claim is "baloney" because a large portion of Canadian prescription drugs were made in the U.S.

The bill will be reviewed by other committees before it reaches the Senate floor.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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