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While Secretary Price has consistently voted against importation legislation, recent proposals, including those in the current Congress, would authorize the importation of prescription drugs without first having to secure the HHS Secretary’s certification. For the most part, the bills direct HHS to develop the necessary safe- ty protocols to allow importation to begin within a certain timeframe. And with some draft bills going so far as allowing the im- portation of biologics and insulin — which could have disastrous safety implica- tions — it is critical that these proposals be vigorously opposed.
A January Canada-importation amend- ment to the Senate Budget Proposal was
narrowly defeated by a vote of 52–46. President Trump has expressed his commitment to lowering drug pricing, even supporting importation during his campaign. If Congress passes importa- tion legislation, Secretary Price’s ability to influence President Trump will be paramount to protect the integrity and security of the U.S. drug supply chain.
Looking Ahead
Secretary Price takes the helm as the na- tion’s top health of cial during increasingly turbulent times. Drug pricing, provider/ payer consolidation, and stabilizing the post-Affordable Care Act market are just a few of the many challenging issues Price inherits. Indeed, Price’s broad
authority to shape policy through inter- pretive power of law will allow him to make his mark and apply his historically conservative views on federal involve- ment in healthcare programs whenever possible. It will be interesting to see how Price and Trump mitigate potential mis- alignment on issues such as drug pricing, health coverage, or non-interference, but given Price’s legislative expertise and close relationship with Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), many believe he is more than up to the challenge.
About the author
Brad Tallamy is a Director of Government Affairs at AmerisourceBergen.
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