AARP endorses drug reimportation Bill
posted Wed, 30 Mar 2011The AARP pleasantly surprised us this week by endorsing the Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2011—otherwise known as the Stabenow/Snowe reimportation bill.
The legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and would provide legal access to safe and affordable drugs from abroad. Currently, the FDA allows for the personal importation of a 90-day supply of prescription drugs, but this right is being threatened.
“Too many older Americans face the impossible decision of paying their skyrocketing pharmacy bills or buying other necessities,” said AARP Senior Vice President David Sloane in an AARP press release. “Access to lower cost prescription drugs is a top priority for our members. Safe and legal importation is a needed step—with strong support on both sides of the aisle—to bring down the soaring costs of prescription drugs for every American.”
This is a huge step forward in the fight for affordable prescription drugs. In the past, the AARP has been a bystander on this issue. But as prices continue to rise, nobody can deny that serious measures are needed to bring down the costs of prescription drugs for American consumers.
View the AARP's letter to Senators Stabenow and Snowe.