State Auditor Crit Luallen Praises Kentucky State House for See the audit report for Full Details |
Crit Luallen |
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(Frankfort - February 8, 2005)
The Kentucky State House of Representatives today passed House Bill 163 which would allow Kentucky to begin the process of allowing for the reimportation of less expensive prescription drugs from Canada and other countries which meet Federal Food and Drug Administration safety standards. The bill, sponsored by State Representative Tom Burch (D-Louisville), passed 58 – 35. Auditor Luallen brought the issue to the forefront in September 2004 when the Auditor’s Office released a report showing that Kentucky State Government could save $70 million a year if reimportation is allowed. Ms. Luallen testified on behalf of the bill on January 26 discussing the report.
“This bill allows free trade principles to lower the cost of prescription drugs for state government and the citizens of Kentucky. This bold step puts Kentucky closer to achieving specific cost savings in its employee insurance and Medicaid programs. It ensures safety by tying prescriptions imported to Federal Drug Administration safety standards and guarantees the continued input of local pharmacists in patient care. Americans should not be required to finance all of the drug companies massive profits and should be able to receive the benefit of lower cost prescription drugs available in foreign markets.” Luallen said. |
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