Boston pilot to import prescription drugs from Canada

In the continuing saga of the high cost of prescription drugs, a report in Business Insurance last week announced that Boston launched a drug reimportation program. It's a pilot program so far, but in taking this step, Boston becomes the largest municipality to defy federal law against drug imports. The pilot is currently restricted to Boston employees and retirees. Mayor Menino estimates that it will save more than $1 million in the first year.

The issue of drug imports isn't just a controversial one here - some in Canada are expressing concern over the Boston deal too, fearing that it may lead to Canadian prescription drug shortages.

For more information, see past posts:
More on the prescription drug saga
Ouch! Pain drugs or drug pains