Bill aims to lower prescription drug prices

Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola, D-Newark, recently filed a bill to lower prescription drug costs for Delawareans – building on the Delaware General Assembly’s ongoing efforts to rein in healthcare costs in the First State.   

Research shows people in the United States typically pay more for their prescription drugs than other developed countries. A 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services revealed that prices for all brand-name and generic drugs in the U.S. were nearly three  times as high as prices in 33 developed comparison countries.  

Senate Bill 332 would help tackle this issue by directing the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services to design and implement a program that allows the First State to import eligible prescription drugs from Canada, where wholesale prescription drugs are significantly less expensive.  

“No Delawarean should be forced to choose between the medications they need and paying their other bills simply because some pharmaceutical company executives have decided they can generate more profit in American than in other markets,” Sokola said. “This legislation will allow Delaware to find the same quality medication in Canada at a fraction of the cost. We can then pass some of those savings on to some of our most vulnerable neighbors while further expanding access to quality healthcare in the First State.” 

SB 332 would permit DHSS to either become a state wholesaler or contract with a state wholesaler to import eligible prescriptions drugs from Canada. 

SB 332 would require that prescription drugs eligible for import as part of this program meet all U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards. DHSS also must present the program proposal to the Delaware General Assembly prior to submitting the plan to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for final approval.   

If adopted, Delaware would join nine other states that have passed legislation adopting importation programs. Florida is the first state to receive FDA approval to import certain prescription drugs from Canada. The Sunshine State has projected its program will save Florida $183 million dollars within the first year of implementation, while also granting more affordable access to prescription drugs that treat HIV/AIDs, mental illness, prostate cancer and other chronic illnesses.  

“SB 332 is a simple solution to an issue that severely impacts far too many Delawareans,” said Rep. Paul Baumbach, D-Newark, the bill’s House prime sponsor. “Healthcare professionals prescribe drugs to their patients as a part of their treatment plan. But the staggeringly high prices of prescription drugs in our country brings that plan to a screeching halt for Delawareans who lack a large monetary safety net. You should never have to sacrifice your health and well-being, especially not because of corporate greed.”

SB 332 has been assigned to the Senate Executive Committee for further consideration.