ADVOCATES APPLAUD SIGNING OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG BILL INTO LAW

HB 1280 allows importation of prescription drugs from Canada, establishes drug affordability board

CONCORD, N.H. -- Today, following months of advocacy and legislative deliberation, Gov. Chris Sununu signed into law House Bill 1280, which takes several critical steps to rein in rising prescription drug prices across the Granite State. The bill, which passed both houses of the State Legislature last month, includes important provisions to authorize New Hampshire to import certain high cost drugs from Canada and to establish a drug affordability board to develop cost-saving strategies and policies for the state, among other measures.

AARP New Hampshire extends our extreme gratitude to our committed volunteers who tirelessly advocated for this legislation.
In response, Granite State health advocates issued the following statements:

Holly Stevens, Health Policy Coordinator, New Futures:
“For decades, the high price of prescription drugs has been one of the greatest public health challenges facing New Hampshire. Now that it’s codified in state law, HB 1280 will provide real and meaningful relief to Granite State families who have struggled to keep up with rising drug prices. It will help bring lower cost medications into the state; it establishes New Hampshire’s as one of the country’s lowest co-pays for insulin, and it improves our position to develop short- and long-term strategies to better contain costs into the future. Thanks to the advocacy of so many, Granite State families are closer to no longer having to make the impossible choice between their health and their financial stability.”

Todd Fahey, State Director, AARP:
“For too long, drug companies have been price gouging New Hampshire’s seniors by raising drug prices with impunity. Prescription drugs don’t work if patients can’t afford them. That’s why we are so glad to see HB 1280 signed into law. Going forward, this law will help our seniors better afford the medications they rely on. It will improve their health and the health of their loved ones. Today, New Hampshire notched a big win over Rx greed.”

Kenneth Norton, Executive Director, NAMI New Hampshire:
“Appropriate medication therapy is a key component in the recovery process for many people managing the symptoms of mental illness. Yet, for too many, the high cost of medications, use of drug formularies, expense of co-pays and consumer costs, and other impediments have forced individuals to make difficult choices regarding their health care. The passage of HB 1280 will make prescription medications more affordable to New Hampshire residents who need them. NAMI New Hampshire applauds the bipartisan support of this bill, with gratitude to the many individuals and families who shared their personal challenges in order to propel this legislation forward. This bill represents a significant positive step for the health and wellbeing of Granite Staters."

James Potter, Executive Vice President, New Hampshire Medical Society:
“As physicians, we see the challenge our patients face with struggling to afford lifesaving prescription medications. Consumer relief was dearly needed to curb rising costs and ensure that patients can access the medications they need. We applaud the work that went into HB1280 and thank our legislature for taking swift action.”