NEWS RELEASE
December 11, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kim Geveden
(502) 682-2010
[email protected]
Annette Lee
(502) 498-4008x230
[email protected]
Urges Kentucky Senators To Support Measure To Reduce Costs and Increase Competition in Drug Market for Kentucky's Families and Seniors
FRANKFORT --- Lt. Governor and U.S. Senate Candidate today voiced his support of the “Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act” that would allow for the import of FDA-approved prescription drugs. Costs of these drugs from overseas are often much cheaper than in the United States. The amendment was introduced this week by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Sen. John McCain (R-A.Z.). The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has stated this plan would save the government $19.4 billion over the next decade.
“I strongly support allowing the importation of FDA-approved prescription drugs from Canada and other countries with safety standards comparable to the United States. I urge Senators McConnell and Bunning to support this common sense measure to lower prescription drug costs. The last thing people should have to worry about is whether to fill a prescription or put food on the table. This bill would increase competition and drive down healthcare costs. As a doctor, I feel that this is a long overdue step to make sure Kentucky families and seniors get the prescription drugs they need at a cost they can afford,” Mongiardo said.