FDA allows Florida to import drugs from Canada

In a landmark decision, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the state of Florida the authority to import certain prescription drugs from Canada—an important measure to counteract soaring prescription costs. It is the first time the FDA has authorized a state to import prescription medications from another country, which sets the precedent for more states and Indian tribes to follow suit.

Under the DeSantis administration, Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) submitted its prescription drug importation plan for FDA approval more than three years ago. After delays that took a lawsuit to resolve, the FDA authorized the program on Jan. 5, 2024. It is approved for two years and begins once the state first notifies the FDA of the first import shipment. Florida estimates a savings of up to $180 million in the first year. 

However, Florida must meet several obligations to ensure the quality and safety of drugs before the state begins importing them, including:

• Guarantee supply chain integrity
• Monitor adverse event reports and submit them to the FDA
• Adhere to drug recall procedures
• Report quarterly to the FDA

Florida must also submit a pre-import drug request to the FDA for each drug they wish to import, which must be approved before importation.

RELATED: Is it safe to buy prescriptions from Canada?

Americans can’t afford their prescriptions

According to a recent poll conducted by KFF, 3 in 10 Americans report not taking their medications because they could not afford them and take measures such as splitting or skipping pills due to cost. The unaffordability of prescription drugs is what prompted Florida’s drug initiative. With many Floridians struggling to afford essential medications, the state government recognized the need for a solution. Prescription drugs cost less in Canada due to government regulations controlling drug prices, and importing medications would give Floridians access to more affordable medications.

At first, Florida will focus on providing medications for the following conditions:

• HIV/AIDS
• Mental health disorders
• Prostate cancer
• Urea cycle disorder

They will be available to patients under the care of specific agencies, including:

• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)
• Department of Children and Families (DCF)
• Department of Corrections (FDC)
• Department of Health (DOH) 

Eventually, Medicaid members in Florida will have access to imported prescription medications.

RELATED: What is Medicaid?

What to do if your prescription costs too much

Americans pay more on prescriptions than any other high-income country in the world. Despite the promising news about Florida’s new policy, healthcare costs are unlikely to change for most patients in the near future. In the meantime, follow these tips to save on pricey medications:

• Compare prices between pharmacies to make sure you’re getting the best price.
• Ask for a generic version of your medication as they cost significantly less than their brand-name counterparts. And according to the Association for Accessible Medicines, 93% of generic drugs have copays under $20.
• Use manufacturer copay cards for medications only available in a brand-name version. They’re available through your pharmacist, healthcare provider, or the drug manufacturer’s website.
• Apply for prescription assistance. Prescription assistance programs are available to qualifying individuals in financial need through drug manufacturers, state or local governments, and nonprofits. 
• Use a prescription discount card like SingleCare. Our free coupons can help you save up to 80% on prescription medications, regardless of your insurance status. For example, the average retail price of the diabetes medication metformin is $190.81 for  60, 500 mg tablets, but SingleCare can lower the price to as little as $3.05. And while the cholesterol-reducing medication atorvastatin (generic for Lipitor) averages ​​$124.53 for 30, 40 mg tablets, it can cost as little as $5.77 with SingleCare. 

If you’ve never used SingleCare before, it’s easy! Download our iOS or Android app or go to our website. Then, follow these three steps the next time you fill up a prescription:

1. Search for your medication.
2. Adjust for quantity, dosage, and zip code. 
3. Choose the pharmacy closest to you and either print, text, or email yourself a free drug coupon. 

When you go to the pharmacy, show your pharmacist the coupon for instant savings.

RELATED: How can I save on my medication?