Fears new federal rule will harm seniors who get prescriptions by mail

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OPINION — U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a dangerous new rule with an Oct. 22 compliance date that will threaten the healthcare of millions of Americans. The rule, “Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments,” will effectively end Americans’ ability to personally import their prescription medicines.

Importing prescription drugs from licensed international pharmacies is the only lifeline for seniors on limited incomes, people with high-deductible health plans and the uninsured. That’s why CBP and the FDA have allowed it for decades. Due to the much lower cost of medications in Canada and other countries, imported medicine is their only option.

Many imported drugs can be less than half the U.S. price. These necessary medicines prevent blood clots, treat diabetes and much more. This CBP rule will cut off access to the only affordable prescription drugs for millions, and that will lead to unnecessary harm and preventable deaths.

I am 73 years old. The medication I take for pulmonary issues is an inhaler called Dulera. Through my Canadian pharmacy, the cost is about $160 per month. The same drug, strength and same manufacturer in the U.S. costs about $1,500 per month.

In my opinion, this rule change by the CBP is nothing more than a pander to the current federal administration, and to the pharmaceutical companies and their lobbyists. It will hurt many Americans, for no good reason.

I ask readers to immediately call or write our senators and U.S. representatives and demand they stop CBP from implementing any rule-making that restricts Americans from importing personal-use prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies in Canada or other countries.

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