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Florida families could save hundreds if a bill allowing imported prescription drugs becomes law

Local parents say the cost of keeping a family healthy can add up, especially when it comes to prescription drugs.

Chris Cardona told Action News Jax, “People have a hard time paying prescriptions … it’s pretty sad.”

Florida families could soon save hundreds on health care if a bill allowing imported prescription drugs becomes law.

The proposed legislation sponsored by Fernandina Beach Sen. Aaron Bean would allow prescriptions to be imported from Canada.

He said there’s often a 600%-700% difference in the cost of prescription drugs in Canada and the United States.

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J.J. Riles described, "I think it's kind of expensive at times. It should be less to take care of people."
A list sent by the senator shows a the same pill for the treatment of multiple sclerosis costs $12 in Canada in comparison to $119 in the U.S.

He explained the bill gives Floridians competitive options by importing oral medications with long shelf lives from Canadian wholesale suppliers.

Cardona said, "People have a hard time paying for prescriptions so any type of help they can get."
According to Bean, for the plan to be approved they must prove it provides significant savings and is safe.

If Florida lawmakers adopt the legislation, creating the program would see need approval from the federal government which Bean said could take from 6 months to 1 year.

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