Jetton, Kinder endorse re-importation of drugs

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Southeast Missouri's main political heavyweights on Thursday announced legislation to codify the state's participation in a program that allows Missourians to purchase prescription drugs through Canadian pharmacies.

House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau said the bill would allow Missouri residents access to lower-priced pharmaceuticals re-imported from Canada.

"We think this is a great way for senior citizens to save some money and get the prescription drugs they need," Jetton said.

The bill would essentially make law an executive order signed last year by former governor Bob Holden, a Democrat. It authorized Missouri residents' participation in the I-SaveRx program started by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

"This is good public policy that will offer real financial benefit to the citizens of Missouri," said Kinder, who is the state's official advocate for the elderly.

According to re-importation proponents, consumers can save up to 50 percent on the cost of prescription drugs due to Canadian price controls as opposed to obtaining the same medications in the United States.

In addition to Missouri, Kansas, Vermont and Wisconsin have also joined the Illinois program.

The federal government prohibits the re-importation of prescription drugs from foreign countries but has made no move to shut down I-SaveRx or similar programs.

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has opposed past re-importation proposals, claiming they could potentially expose consumers to unsafe medications. However, chamber president and chief executive officer Dan Mehan said he wasn't familiar enough with the current bill to take a position.

I-SaveRx only connects participants with approved Canadian pharmacies and has other safeguards in place, Kinder said.

Various advocacy groups for the elderly, including the AARP of Missouri and the Aging Federation of Missouri, support the bill.

"We certainly want to give the seniors we represent the option for lower-cost prescription drugs," said Jo Walker, president of the Silver Haired Legislature.

Jetton said the House will make the measure a priority once the legislature reconvenes on March 28 following its spring recess.

Missourians can enroll in the program by calling 1-866-I-SAVE33 or on the Web at www.I-SaveRx.net.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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