James M. Jeffords: “I will now discuss a problem we have relative to the cost of prescription drugs. I am joining several of my colleagues…”

“I will now discuss a problem we have relative to the cost of prescription drugs. I am joining several of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in offering an amendment that will take a giant step toward providing access to affordable prescription drugs for Vermonters, and all Americans. Our amendment will allow pharmacists and wholesalers to import safe, U.S.-made, FDA-approved lower-cost prescription drugs from other countries. We maintain the gold standard of safety in this country, but hope to rein in the platinum standard we have for prices. Prescription drugs have revolutionized the treatment of certain diseases, but they are only effective if patients have access to the medicines that their doctors prescribe. The best medicines in the world will not help a person who can not afford them. Americans pay by far the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs, and for many the price is just too high. What's worse is that those Americans who can least afford it are the ones paying the highest prices. Americans who don't have health insurance that covers drugs are forced to pay the 'sticker price' off the pharmacist's shelf. In short, the practice of price discrimination hits the uninsured and low-income Medicare beneficiaries the hardest.”