Connecticut House Bill HB06862

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/19
• Refer: 1/30/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Importation Of Prescription Drugs.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would significantly impact the state's healthcare landscape by providing an avenue for reduced prescription drug prices. This could potentially lead to a decrease in out-of-pocket expenses for consumers, making medications more accessible. The bill reflects a growing concern among policymakers regarding the affordability of healthcare and aims to offer a practical solution to benefit patients across the state.

Summary

House Bill 06862 aims to amend state statutes to allow the Department of Consumer Protection to import prescription drugs on a wholesale basis from Canada. The primary goal of this legislation is to provide consumers with a more cost-effective alternative for obtaining their necessary medications. By facilitating the importation of these drugs, the bill attempts to mitigate the rising costs associated with prescription medications that many individuals face in the United States.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intent to lower drug costs, it also raises notable points of contention, particularly around the safety and efficacy of imported medications. Critics may argue that importing drugs from another country could lead to regulatory challenges, including the oversight of quality control protocols. There may also be fears about the long-term implications of relying on foreign sources for critical medications, which could lead to debates around patient safety and health outcomes.