News Releases for November 2003
November 7, 2003
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Pushing For Prescription Drug Cost Relief
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today said he welcomed a letter from Sen. Byron Dorgan supporting the Hoeven Administration’s efforts to work with Minnesota in order to secure prescription drug relief for North Dakota citizens. Hoeven has been discussing such a cooperative agreement with Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and it is on a list of items the governors plan to discuss further during a meeting this weekend in Grand Forks.
In order for the states to move forward, Hoeven said, federal authorization to re-import Canadian prescription drugs is necessary.
“This is an objective that needs to work on all levels,” Hoeven said. “We need to get the authorizing federal legislation, and we should also involve our pharmacies to ensure that we make this program safe and convenient for our citizens.”
Hoeven said the first priority is to pass a prescription drug benefit for seniors. As chairman of the National Governor’s Association Human Resources Committee, Hoeven has been working hard to secure passage of the Healthcare Reform Bill to provide a prescription drug benefit for seniors. That legislation would also need to include authorization for states to move forward to re-import Canadian pharmaceutical products, according to Hoeven.
The plan to partner with Minnesota on a re-importation program is just one among several efforts Hoeven has undertaken to win relief from high prescription drug costs for seniors and the poor.
In addition, Hoeven said, the University of North Dakota already participates in a buying group with Minnesota, which could serve as a point of departure for a broader cooperative program, including a state-purchasing group.
E-mail comments to the Governor
