Sunday, May 16, 2004

From the Billings (MT) Gazette:
Minnesota launches Canadian-drug program
Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced Thursday a new program that will allow state employees to obtain certain prescription drugs for free if they order the medication from a state-inspected Canadian pharmacy.

The program applies to 45 of the most popular name-brand medicines that do not have generic alternatives. State officials estimate savings of $1.4 million a year because the drugs can be purchased for less in Canada.

About 120,000 employees and their dependents would be eligible. The state would cover shipping fees, along with the $15 monthly co-payments that are required for each prescription if employees buy their medicines from U.S. pharmacists.

From Medical News Today:
Minnesota State employees will get prescription drugs free from Canada
The Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlentry, said that a new program is being set up which will make it possible for Minnessota state employees to get some prescription drugs completely free if they order the drugs from a state-inspected Canadian pharmacy.

The drugs included in this plan are 45 of the most popular prescription brand names for which there are no generics available. The savings could amount to about $1.4 million per year. Prescription drugs in Canada are much cheaper than they are in the USA. In fact, prescription drugs are cheaper everywhere when compared to USA prices.

From the San Fransisco Chronicle:
Democrats want task force on drug imports to speed recommendations
Speed it up, Democratic governors and lawmakers are telling a Bush administration task force that is looking at legalizing prescription drug imports.

The panel, made up of federal health officials, held its final public meeting Friday. Its recommendations to Congress aren't due until after the election, but Surgeon General Richard Carmona, the chairman, said its findings would be sent to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson by the fall, perhaps sooner. "I don't want to stifle discussion or important input, but I want to keep the process moving along," Carmona said.

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