Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) announced that his bill (S.1737) creating a wholesale import program for prescription drugs has easily passed the Senate with bipartisan support. The measure was among a package of legislation aimed at cutting prescription costs for New Yorkers.
Under existing federal law, states may authorize wholesale importation from other countries if consumer safety of these medications is on par with supplies in the U.S., and so long as significant savings are realized. By creating such a wholesale import program, the state will be able to cut costs for countless prescription drugs that New Yorkers rely on each and every day.
“This measure is key for keeping money in our neighbors’ pockets–without forcing their health to take a backseat,” said Senator Skoufis. “A wholesale program increases our state’s buying power, allowing us to pass real savings along to pharmacies and patients. I applaud my colleagues for supporting this legislation and urge the Assembly to take it up for a vote as soon as possible.”
Skoufis has long been an advocate for our local pharmacies and patients. He drew the ire of Big Pharma last year when he advanced legislation that would limit the influence of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), drug industry middlemen who have been fleecing New Yorkers.