Press Release
From the Office of
State Representative
Gale D. Candaras

August 22, 2003
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kathy Mitchell
(413) 599-4785

CANDARAS PUSHES FOR ACCESS TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS BEYOND MASSACHUSETTS

State Representative Gale D. Candaras (D) Wilbraham is pushing for access of prescription drugs from outside of the Commonwealth. Recently, members of the legislature, including Candaras, sent a letter to Senators Kennedy and Kerry seeking their support and assistance with H.R. 2427, the Pharmaceutical market Access Act of 2003, as it passed the U.S. House of Representatives in July. This legislation would legalize the reimportation of FDA-approved drugs into the United States, making current practices legal and accessible to all.

“We are all aware of the escalating costs of prescription drugs. Young and old alike are finding it very difficult to purchase the prescriptions they need for their health. And we are all aware that many are even taking the trip to Canada to make their purchase, at tremendous savings. Even though this practice is not allowed under current Federal law, many are overlooking that fact in order to procure their medications at a rate they can more easily afford” said Candaras.

In an effort to bring this matter to a state level Candaras has also signed onto legislation which seeks to establish a Program to Reduce Prescription Drug Prices to Residents of the Commonwealth. This program would provide information to residents of the Commonwealth regarding the purchase of prescription drugs from sources within and without the Commonwealth, including, but not limited to, Canadian sources. The program itself would offer those eligible the assistance needed in the preparation of an application for prescription medications or nonprescription medications to participating manufacturers; purchase of prescription drugs from within and without the Commonwealth; as well as assistance to physicians with communication.

“We need to be more responsive to the people of the Commonwealth and do all that we can to address these ever escalating drug costs. This is a critical situation, and it effects everyone in the Commonwealth, whether young or old. While this is a very daunting task, we in the legislature are working hard in order to bring some type of relief to the residents of the Commonwealth with their prescription drug costs” concluded Candaras.

While this action isn’t looked upon favorably by the pharmaceutical industry it is one measure that the legislature is taking to address health care costs in Massachusetts and it is hoped that this matter will come before the legislature for debate when they resume sessions this fall.