Cuomo: NY should investigate importing drugs from Canada

Gov. Andrew Cuomo plans to create a commission to investigate the potential benefits of importing prescription drugs from Canada, he announced Wednesday as part of a package of proposals aimed at lowering drug prices for New Yorkers.

Cuomo’s prescription drug plan also includes proposals to cap insulin co-payments at $100 a month for people who are insured and to empower the state Department of Financial Services to investigate spikes in prescription drug prices.

“The exorbitant cost of prescription drugs is a massive burden on families across the country, and we’re determined to use every tool in the tool box and pursue every available avenue to bring real relief to New Yorkers,” Cuomo said in a statement.

Cuomo said his Prescription Importation Commission will work with insurers, consumers and health care providers to identify any potential consumer savings from importing drugs from Canada.

The Democratic governor has been rolling out pieces of his 2020 state of the state address each day leading up to the end of the year.