Trump is exploring ways to let the US import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada

Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks about lowering drug prices with Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar from the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, U.S., May 11, 2018.

• The Trump administration wants to let Americans import cheaper drugs from Canada.
• Many details of the proposal still need to be worked out.
• Both Republicans and Democrats have long touted the idea of lowering drug costs for US consumers by importing drugs from Canada.
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The Trump administration is exploring ways to allow Americans to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada, the Department of Health and Human Services said on Wednesday.

The move holds out the promise of lower-cost prescription drugs, but many details would still need to be worked out. The administration will look into new rules to allow states, pharmacies and other parties to bring in drugs from Canada as part of pilot projects. The US Food and Drug Administration could also allow manufacturer to bring into the US version of their drugs that they sell overseas.

"Today's announcement outlines the pathways the Administration intends to explore to allow safe importation of certain prescription drugs to lower prices and reduce out of pocket costs for American patients," HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement

President Donald Trump has promised since the start of his presidency to deliver lower-cost drugs for the US, but had so far fallen short on that promise. Both Republicans and Democrats have long touted the idea of lowering drug costs for US consumers by importing drugs from Canada.