As Washington grapples with rising drug costs, the state of Vermont is edging closer to adopting a program that would designate wholesalers to buy medicines from across the border in Canada.
The Vermont Agency for Human Services late last week completed a report showing the scheme could save up to $5 million annually on just 17 medicines for which two of the state’s three commercial health insurers spent the most money earlier this year. The forecast included a potential 45 percent mark-up on medicines.
The program would allow wholesalers to buy the 10 to 15 most expensive medicines purchased by state residents, and tap wholesalers to place orders from still other wholesalers based in Canada. But first, state officials must determine the cost before deciding whether to proceed. One lawmaker, who has backed the program, was encouraged that the effort could produce some savings, however modest.
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Complete lunacy.
Report says that savings are $1 to $5 million per year. That’s a less impressive figure than the “up to $5 million” stated in article.
Most importantly: “These savings for commercial payers, post mark-up, do not take into consideration the State’s costs in operating a program of
wholesale prescription drug importation. ”
So, Vermont is going to build its own FDA? LOL! Good luck with that. Caveat emptor!