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Americans Are Getting a Raw Deal on Prescription Drugs

by AARP CEO Bill Novelli - 01/10/07 1:06 PM ET

AARP endorses the bipartisan Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2007, which will permit the safe, legal importation of lower-priced prescription drugs from abroad.

The legislation was introduced today by Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME); Representatives Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) are sponsoring companion House legislation. The bill legalizes the importation of FDA-approved medications from certain countries beginning with Canada, imposes strict safety standards to prevent drug counterfeiting, and includes important provisions to prevent potential trade obstructions.

It’s an embarrassment that the very same medications Americans pay top dollar for in the U.S. cost so much less in Canada and Europe. Americans are getting a raw deal. AARP is proud to support the Dorgan-Snowe bill because it will help make lifesaving prescription drugs available to Americans at prices they can afford.