States challenge Biden to lower drug prices by allowing imports from Canada

The Biden administration is facing mounting pressure from states to let them import medicine from Canada to help lower prescription drug costs.

Colorado on Dec. 5 became at least the fourth state to seek federal permission to use the strategy, following Florida, New Hampshire, and New Mexico. President Biden has endorsed the approach, but his administration has yet to greenlight a state plan.

"States have done the work, and the only thing preventing them from going ahead is the Biden administration," said Jane Horvath, a health policy consultant who has worked with states on importation plans.